As that face flickered in Ariana's mind, the IV needle still tethered to her hand hardly concerned her. She shoved the blanket aside, intent on finding Holden.

Just then, the door creaked open, and there stood the very person she wanted to see.

For a brief moment, they locked eyes in silence.

Ariana scrutinized the man standing before her, studying every contour of his face with intensity. It was familiar and comforting.

As she looked at Holden, her eyes welled up.

Holden composed himself, taking a seat beside her, genuine concern lacing his softly spoken words. "How are you feeling now?

As he spoke, he noticed the IV needle askew on Ariana's hand, tiny droplets of blood forming.

Gently, he took her hand, using a cotton swab to dab away the blood, and then carefully readjusted the skewed needle.

Every movement of his felt like an echo from the past to Ariana, as if time hadn't altered a thing.

Her eyes reddened, and she gazed at him, a tear trickling down uncontrollably, landing on her hand and Holden's fingertip.

Holden's motions paused momentarily, his gaze lifting slowly to meet Ariana's. He reached out, tenderly brushing away her tears. “Don't cry," he said, his voice unexpectedly strained, emotions tangling his words.

Ariana stared at him, unable to shift her gaze, her voice trembling as she asked, "Theodore, is it really you?"

Tentatively extending her hand to touch his face, fear laced her tone.

"Could this be a dream? Will you vanish when I wake up?"

Holden's heart trembled, and he gripped Ariana's hand firmly. He responded earnestly, "I won't leave. I'm here, and I won't go away.”

Convinced that he was real and not a figment, Ariana could no longer suppress her tears. She buried herself in his embrace, crying as if deeply wronged. "I missed you terribly, so much! I always believed you wouldn't abandon me. But people thought I was daft, and even I questioned my sanity. I couldn't tell longing from reality. I yearned for you deeply!"

Holden held her tightly, his heart constricting, breaths coming harder.

“I'm sorry. I'm really sorry!" he murmured repeatedly, eyes reddening, his voice choking.

Bowing his head, he gently kissed Ariana's head, cradling her delicately, as though holding a fragile, invaluable treasure.

At that moment, he felt the missing shard of his soul slot back in, the emptiness in his heart being filled.