CHAPTER 25: The Silent Protector

BELLA

I tried to hide the tears in my eyes as the door creaked open, and Jasper rushed in, his small frame full of relief and worry.

“You’re awake!” His voice was almost a whisper, but his excitement was unmistakable as he climbed onto the bed. Before I could say a word, his hands cupped my cheeks, tilting my face toward him. “Why are you crying?” he asked, his eyes searching mine, the concern there so intense it caught me off guard.

I forced a smile, rubbing my eyes. “I’m not crying, silly. It’s just… water. Sometimes it happens.”

He didn’t look convinced, and I could feel him watching me even as I looked away. “I thought you were at your grandfather’s house,” I said, hoping to shift his attention.

“I was, but when I heard you were awake, I told Grandpa I didn’t want to fish anymore. I had to come see you.” His words were so simple, yet they struck something deep inside me.

I tried to tease, masking the tightness in my throat. “Oh, so you missed me?” I tickled his sides, and he brok