Főnix

Phoenix

Part 64: Where It’s No Longer Just the Forest That Hurts

The paramedics stood gathered around as Phoenix slowly tried to come back to herself.
Albatross was sitting beside her, holding her hand, visibly tense though clearly trying to hide it.

PHOENIX (squinting):
“So… is this my new morning routine now? Falling down and getting bandaged?”

ALBATROSS (arms crossed, but his voice trembling with concern):
“Looks like it… you do have very special ways of waking up.”

PHOENIX:
“If you didn’t keep sending me wandering through forests, maybe I’d have normal mornings.”

ALBATROSS:
“If you watched where you were stepping, maybe I wouldn’t have to collect the pieces of you.”

One of the paramedics chimed in while disinfecting the wound.

PARAMEDIC:
“The injury isn’t deep — it just looks nasty. A bit of rest and she’ll be fine.”

Phoenix nodded with a thin smile.

PHOENIX:
“See? You don’t have to overreact.”

Albatross gently tightened his grip on her hand.

ALBATROSS:
“Let me overreact this time, okay?”

PHOENIX:
“So now you’re trying to save me? Again?”

ALBATROSS:
“I always want to save you.”

A brief silence followed. Phoenix looked away so it wouldn’t show how much that meant to her.

The paramedic finished packing up.

PARAMEDIC:
“That’s it, all bandaged. Get some rest — and try not to take any more dramatic falls today.”

They left.

Albatross was still holding Phoenix’s hand.

PHOENIX (a little embarrassed):
“You can let go… I’m not falling anymore.”

ALBATROSS (quietly, with a half-smile):
“I’m just making sure. Who knows what you’re still capable of.”

PHOENIX:
“What are you, my bodyguard now?”

ALBATROSS:
“When it comes to you…
I just might be.”

Their eyes met.
The air between them vibrated — real feelings hidden behind teasing words.

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