125

ADELINE’S POV

I sat in the hospital room, the beeping of machines and the quiet hum of the air conditioner the only sounds.

Xander lay in the bed, pale and still. My heart ached seeing him like this. I looked over at my grandparents, who had flown into Manhattan and come straight to the hospital. They looked so tired but I know they didn’t want to leave me alone in the hospital.

"Grandma, Grandpa," I said softly, "you should go to your hotel and get some rest. You've been here for hours."

Grandma looked at me with concern in her eyes. "Are you sure, Adeline? We don't want to leave you alone."

I smiled and took her hand. "I'll be fine. Please, get some rest. You need it."

Grandpa nodded, squeezing my shoulder.

"Okay, but promise us you'll clean up and rest too."

"I will," I promised, even though I knew I wouldn't leave Xander's side. "I'll take care of myself."

They hesitated for a moment longer before finally agreeing. "We'll be back soon," Grandma said, giving me a hug.

"I know," I