"You kids should really go home, get some rest," Sue repeated for the umpteenth time, sighing in defeat as Kim shook her head. Paul didn't reply, as he was already asleep in a chair nearby, his soft breaths a low, rhythmic background to Kim's worry.

The clinic was quiet, other than the soft rustling of Sue's movements as she tended to Jared. His breaths were shallow, each one a reminder of the danger he had faced. Kim pressed her hands to her forehead to stop herself from thinking about it.

Kim knew she had to call her parents at one point. No better time than right now, right? Sighing, she slipped her phone out of her pocket, her fingers shaking as she dialed her mother's number. The phone rang twice before her mother answered.

"Kim? Where are you? It's late."

"I'm at a friend's house," Kim lied, her voice wavering. "I'm staying over."

"Which friend?" her mother asked shrilly. "And why didn't you tell us earlier?"

"Maggie, from my weaving class. Mom, it's not a big deal," Kim replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "I just need to help out a friend. I'll be home tomorrow."

"Kimberly, this is not acceptable," her mother's voice rose, clearly upset. "You can't just leave without telling us where you're going. Come home right now."

"Mom, I can't," Kim snapped, her frustration boiling over. "I'm fine. I'll be home in the morning."

"Kimberly Anne, have you been drinking? You get home this instant," her mother demanded.

"I'm sorry, but I can't! And, no, of course I haven't been drinking!" Kim shouted, her emotions spilling over. "Just trust me for once. I'm fine, honestly. Nothing's wrong. We're having a good time, and you told me to spend more time with people my age, didn't you?"

There was a long silence on the other end before her mother spoke again. "You better have a good explanation when you get back."

"I will," Kim promised, tears streaming down her face. "I'm sorry, Mom. I have to go."

She hung up, her body shaking with the effort to hold back her sobs. She looked down at Jared, his peaceful face a stark contrast to the turmoil she felt inside.

"I was so angry with you, but now… just, be ok, alright?" she whispered, gently stroking his hand. She thought back to their last argument, the harsh words exchanged, and the regret gnawed at her. She had been right to be upset, but now it all seemed irrelevant compared to the fear of losing him.

As the hours dragged on, Kim found herself reflecting on their relationship. She remembered the first time she had noticed him, the way his smile lit up a room, the warmth of his hand in hers. She thought about the way he made her laugh, the way he always seemed to know exactly what to say to make her feel better. And she remembered the arguments, the frustration she felt when he was secretive, the fear that he was hiding something important from her. But now, as she watched him lying there, none of that mattered. She just wanted him to be okay.

The night wore on as Kim stayed by Jared's side, holding his hand, refusing to let go. Paul snored softly in the corner, oblivious to the world around him. As dawn approached, the first rays of sunlight filtering through the windows, Kim felt Jared's hand twitch. Her heart leapt, and she leaned closer.

"Jared?" she whispered. "Can you hear me?"

His eyes slowly opened, hazy and unfocused at first, but then they found her. A weak smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Kim…"

"I'm here, Jared. You're going to be okay."

He tried to speak, but his voice was barely a whisper. "I'm sorry…"

"Shh, don't talk. Just rest," she said, her heart aching with relief and love. "We'll talk later. Right now, you just need to get better."

A faint, playful smile touched his lips. "Did I… give you a scare?"

Kim let out a tearful laugh. "You have no idea."

"Well," Jared whispered, his voice a little stronger now, "I guess I'm just... really bad at staying out of trouble."

Kim squeezed his hand, her heart swelling with love and relief. "Just rest. We'll talk later."

Sue stepped forward, her expression one of relief and gentle authority. "Jared, you need to rest now. Let your body heal."

Kim nodded. "I'm not going anywhere," she whispered, her voice steady. "I'll be right here when you wake up again."

She watched as Jared's eyes closed again, but this time with the knowledge that he was on the road to recovery. Kim glanced over at Paul, who was still snoring away, and couldn't help but smile. She leaned back in her chair, exhaustion finally catching up with her. But despite the long, painful night, she felt a sense of hope. Jared was awake, and that was all that mattered.