Eva Pov

The textbooks scattered across my dorm room floor as my legs gave way beneath me. The world tilted sideways, and I found myself crumpled on the cold linoleum, my vision swimming with exhaustion and stress.

"Eva!" Kelly's voice cut through the haze as she rushed to my side, her hands immediately reaching to help me sit up.

"What happened? Are you okay?"

I tried to form words, but they came out in a broken whisper.

"I... I can't do this anymore, Kelly." The confession tore from my throat like a physical wound.

"I can't keep going."

Kelly's face creased with worry as she knelt beside me. "What do you mean? Talk to me."

The dam I'd built around my fears finally cracked.

"My scholarship money... I had to use it for Grandma's medical bills. The treatments, the medications, they're so expensive, and she needed them more than I needed tuition," My voice broke completely.

"I don't have enough for my final year. I think... I think I have to give up my degree."

"Eva, no." Kelly's voice was firm, almost angry.

"You're not giving up anything. If you really think of me as your friend, then let me pay your fees. You can pay me back when you start working."

I shook my head, even as tears blurred my vision. "Kelly, I can't ask you t-"

"You're not asking. I'm offering." Her grip on my shoulders tightened. "Please, let me help you."

"Thank you," I whispered, my heart breaking at her kindness. "But no. I can't take your money."

Kelly helped me to my feet, her jaw set in determination. "Fine, but I'm calling Nathan. He needs to know you're not well."

Panic flared in my chest. "No, Kelly, please don't. He's already so stressed with his interviews and placements. I don't want to add to his worries."

"Stop it!" Kelly's voice rose, frustration evident.

"Stop always worrying about Nathan! What about you? What about what you need?"

Before I could protest further, she had her phone out, Nathan's number already dialing. I watched helplessly as she put it on speaker.

"Kelly?" Nathan's voice filled the room, calm and measured.

"Nathan, Eva's sick. She just collapsed in our dorm."

Kelly put the phone on speaker as she spoke. There was a brief pause from the other side.

"I figured she would. She didn't look well when I saw her last time." His tone was matter-of-fact, almost detached. "Can you look after her? I have an interview to get to."

The line went dead.

The silence that followed was deafening. Kelly stared at the phone, her mouth slightly open in disbelief. I felt something cold settle in my stomach as Nathan's words echoed in the room.

He'd known I wasn't well, and yet...

***

The hospital room smelled of antiseptic and wilted flowers. Grandma's hand felt so fragile in mine, her skin paper-thin and cool to the touch.

"I'm sorry I missed your birthday," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the steady beep of the monitors.

"It's okay, Grandma. Don't worry about that." I squeezed her hand gently. "Just focus on getting better. I love you so much."

"But I am sure your friends and Nathan must have made your birthday extra special, cause I know it, you are the most special child out there, always looking out for others," she laughed and I gave her a small smile.

She coughed a little bit and I reached for the glass of water on the table. As I helped her drink water from the glass, a small smile crossed her weathered face. "

Your father, you know, he always dreamed of opening his own architectural firm. Seeing your passion for architecture... I know you'll continue his dream."

"I know, I promise I will, Grandma."

Her eyes grew distant for a moment before focusing on me again. "You know, I keep asking you about Nathan. When will you bring him to meet me? I want to see this boy who has captured my granddaughter's heart."

I felt my chest tighten. "He's in his final year, Grandma. Very busy with placements and interviews. Always under so much pressure. Once he clears his interviews, I'll bring him to you, I promise."

"Good, I like the boy is so ambitious," she said, her smile widening slightly. "I hope he gets everything he wants. He must be a special boy to have won your love."

***

The hostel entrance was quiet as I met Nathan later that evening. I slipped my arm through his, resting my head against his shoulder as we walked. The gesture felt both familiar and distant somehow.

"I've been telling you about Grandma being ill," I said softly. "She really wants to meet you."

"I am so sorry, I'll do it," he replied, his voice steady. "I haven't forgotten. How is she doing?"

"She's... she's okay." I paused, gathering courage for what I wanted to ask. "Nathan, it's my parents' death anniversary coming up. I know you're busy with everything lately, but Grandma misses them so much, misses her son more than anything. I thought... maybe we could make it special. Maybe you could finally meet her then?"

He considered this for a moment.

"That's a good idea."

Hope bloomed in my chest.

"Promise me? This time, you'll really come?"

"Okay," he said simply.

For the first time in weeks, I smiled genuinely.

Maybe things could still work out. Maybe love could still conquer the growing distance between us, the weight of all my unspoken struggles. Maybe Nathan would be there when I needed him most.

A/N,

I changed my mind again, I will write more 5 chapters for you because I am on a spree and then I will update every Friday 🫢