The next day dawned slowly for Hollyn. She had barely slept, her mind too consumed with the weight of the news about her mom. She lay in bed for a moment, listening to the soft, rhythmic breathing of Cole beside her. His presence had been a small comfort, a reminder that she wasn't alone in this. Hollyn finally got up, careful not to wake Cole. She tiptoed to the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face, hoping to shake off the exhaustion and puffy eyes. She stared at her reflection, trying to muster some semblance of strength. She wasn't sure how she was going to go on like normal when she now knew her mom was sick and slowly dying.

She took a deep breath, steeling her resolve. She could do this, she had to. For her mom, for her dad, for her family. She couldn't let them see her fall apart. Hollyn walked out of the bathroom and saw Cole was already awake, sitting up in bed. His hair was messy and his eyes were bleary with sleep, but he was still the most handsome man she had ever seen.

"Good morning," He murmurs, his voice low and raspy. He runs a hand through his messy hair, giving her a soft smile. "How did you sleep?"

"Not great," Hollyn admits, giving him a weak smile while she walked over to him. "But things are slightly better since you're here with me."

He smiles fondly at her and reaches out for her, his hand gently grabbing hers. He intertwines their fingers, giving her hand a light squeeze as he gently tugged her closer to him until she sat on the bed by him, her legs brushing against his. Cole looked at Hollyn, his eyes filled with concern and tenderness. "I wish I could make it all better." He said softly, his thumb tracing soothing circles on the back of her hand.

Hollyn leans into him, resting her head on his shoulder. "Just being here helps more than you know." She whispered, feeling a bit of the tension in her shoulders ease. They sat like that for a few moments, taking comfort in each other's presence. The weight of yesterday's news was still heavy, but in this quiet moment, it felt a bit more manageable.

After a few moments, Hollyn sighs and sat up straighter, her hand still in his. Butterflies kept swarming in her stomach the whole time. It was comforting, the butterflies and the hand-holding, it all felt so natural with him. "I should head downstairs. You can stay for breakfast, if you want." She offered. She understood if he had to go back home. It was still holiday break and he probably had things to take care of too. But having him stay would mean the world to her right now.

Cole gave her hand another squeeze and nods. "I'd love to." He responds, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Besides, how could I pass up free breakfast with my best friend?" He joked, trying to lighten the mood.

Hollyn rolls her eyes, but smiles. "Oh, you're so lucky you're cute."

Cole smirks, leaning closer to her. "So you think I'm cute, huh?" He teased, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Hollyn chuckles, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks. "Don't let it go to your head." She replied playfully, giving him a light shove.

Cole grins, his gaze filled with affection. "Too late. It already has." He stands up, letting go of her hand. "Come on, let's get some breakfast." He held his hand out to her, his eyes shining with warmth. Hollyn took his hand and let him pull her to her feet. She couldn't help but smile, her heart fluttering at his closeness. She was so thankful he was here, that he had chosen to stay. She didn't know what she would do without him during this time.

They made their way downstairs and into the kitchen, their hands still clasped together. Her heart skipped a beat at the fact he didn't want to let go of her hand. She had tried to pull away shyly when they first left her room, but he wouldn't let her. And she didn't try again.

They found her parents in the kitchen, making breakfast. Her dad was cooking some eggs and bacon on the stove while her mom was slicing some fruit at the counter. She figured her aunt and uncle were helping their kids get ready for the day up stairs.

Her mom looks up, a smile lighting up her face when she saw them. "Good morning, sweetheart. And Cole, good morning." She greeted, her voice cheery.

"Morning." Cole greets, smiling back at her. "Hope you guys don't mind me sticking around for breakfast." He added, a sheepish look on his face. He had a feeling they wouldn't, they normally didn't, but he wanted to make sure.

"Of course not," Her dad replies, his tone warm and welcoming. "You're always welcome here, Cole."

"Thank you," Cole said gratefully. He glances down at Hollyn, his expression softening. "You okay?" He murmured, his voice low enough for only her to hear. He noticed she was staring at her mom as she works in the kitchen. Hollyn had a distant, faraway look on her face. He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, his touch bringing her back to reality.

Hollyn snaps out of it and blinks, her eyes refocusing. She shakes her head, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine." She responded, her voice wavering a little.

"I can tell when you're lying," Cole says softly, his tone laced with concern. "What's going on in that pretty head of yours?" He asked, his thumb lightly brushing across her knuckles. Her heart fluttered and she felt her face grow warm at his words, but she did her best to ignore it. Now wasn't the time.

Hollyn sighs, her eyes drifting back to her mom. "I was just thinking..." She trails off, her throat closing up. The emotions she was feeling were overwhelming. Sadness, fear, guilt, anxiety, and more. She takes a deep breath, forcing the words out. "I was just thinking about how much I'm going to miss her." She whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Cole's eyes soften, his expression full of compassion. "Oh, Holls." He murmurs, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her close for a tight hug. "I know, but don't think like that. Your mom is going to fight this. She's going to beat it, and we're all going to be there to support her." He says softly, his words laced with confidence.

"You don't know that," Hollyn argues, her voice shaky. "She might not beat it. There's no guarantee." She felt the tears brimming her eyes, but she tried to keep them at bay. She buried her face in his chest, seeking comfort in his embrace.

Cole held her tighter, his hand gently stroking her hair. "I know it's scary," He murmurs. "But we can't let fear stop us from living. We have to be strong for your mom, and we have to believe that everything will work out."

"You're right," Hollyn mumbles, her voice muffled against his shirt as she sniffled. "But it's hard."

"I know," Cole replies, his tone gentle. "But you're not alone, okay? We'll get through this together. And you're strong, Hollyn. You're one of the strongest people I know. I know you can do this."

"I don't know about that," Hollyn mutters. "But thank you. You really are the best." She added, her tone appreciative as she calmed down. She pulled away to wipe her tears away, smiling a little up at him. He had been so sweet and supportive, and she couldn't have asked for anyone better.

"I know." He smirked a little, earning a small chuckle from her which made him grin. That was his goal, to cheer her up and distract her from her worries, at least for a few moments.

Hollyn shakes her head, a fond expression on her face. "Okay, cocky, let's get some breakfast." Before they could walk further into the kitchen, two pairs of footsteps run down the stairs. Hollyn and Cole were still standing near the stairs so they were slightly in the way. Well, Hollyn was. She stumbled slightly when her younger cousins ran past her, their footsteps pounding on the floor followed by paws pattering and nails clicking. Hollyn stumbled back a bit and she bumped into Cole, causing him to bump into the wall behind him.

"Whoa, watch it, you two!" Cole warned the kids as he caught Hollyn. He laughed softly and shook his head, his eyes filled with amusement. Hollyn chuckled and rolled her eyes at the kids and Lottie chasing them, who was soon followed by the other two dogs. She looked back up at Cole, blushing at realizing his hands were on her still on her hips from keeping her steady. He was standing by the wall, looking down at her. He didn't seem to realize the position they were in and didn't seem bothered, and neither did she, really. She was just surprised by it and flustered, her heart racing.

She takes a step back, clearing her throat lightly to break the momentary awkwardness. "Sorry about that," She mutters, glancing away briefly before looking back at him with a sheepish smile. "Kids and dogs in the morning — never a dull moment."

Cole grins, his hand dropping to his side as he leaned casually against the wall. "Yeah, they sure bring the energy," He replies, his eyes softening with amusement. He looked at Hollyn, his gaze warm and reassuring. "You okay?"

Hollyn nods, her smile widening slightly. "Yeah, just a bit startled, but I'm good." She takes a deep breath, feeling more composed. "Let's go see what chaos they're causing in the kitchen." She suggested, gesturing for them to continue.

They walked into the kitchen together, greeted by the lively scene of her family preparing breakfast. Her aunt and uncle were corralling their kids and trying to calm down the dogs as her parents finished breakfast. She couldn't help but feel grateful for the distraction, for the chaos and the love and the laughter. It was exactly what she needed. She joined her aunt and uncle and helped calming down the three dogs chasing after the two kids in the living room. She managed to grab Lottie and Goldie while Cole helped with getting Ace.

It took a bit of work, but they eventually managed to get the dogs under control and the kids were calmed down. Hollyn and Cole put the dogs up in the laundry room where their food and water bowls were at where Cole helped Hollyn feed them breakfast. After they went to wash their hands, they joined the others in the dining room where they were now gathered around the table. They sat down next to each other as everyone started passing around the plates and platters of food. Breakfast was a lively affair, as usual. Conversation flowed easily, and Hollyn did her best to push away the worry and anxiety that loomed over her. She focused on the warmth and familiarity of being with her family, the love and support they all shared. It helped a little, and she managed to have a decent breakfast despite the growing dread and sadness gnawing at her.

Once everyone was finished, Hollyn's dad and uncle volunteered to clean up the kitchen while everyone else took care of the rest. They cleaned up the dining room and the living room, and got everything back in order. Hollyn offered to take the dogs out and Cole joined her. They headed outside with the dogs and let them run around the backyard. Cole and Hollyn watched the dogs, sitting on a swing on the back porch.

"So, what's more crazy, my house on Thanksgiving or yours every day?" She asked with a small smirk.

Cole grins, nudging her arm playfully. "Definitely mine. No contest. But your family's awesome. I love spending time with you and them." He said sincerely, his eyes full of affection.

"Yeah, they are. I'm so lucky to have them." Hollyn agrees, her tone filled with fondness. "Your family is awesome too." She added, smiling.

"I know," Cole quips, flashing her a cocky grin. "We're pretty great."

Hollyn chuckles, rolling her eyes. "And humble too, I see." She teased, nudging him back gently. She leaned back on the swing, enjoying the quiet moment with him and the playful banter that eased her mind.

"So," Cole begins, his expression growing serious as he turns to face her, his leg brushing against hers. "How are you holding up?"

Hollyn sighs, biting her lip. "I don't know. It's a lot, you know? I'm worried about her, about my dad, about us. And it's all happening so fast." She admits, her voice laced with sadness. "But I guess it's a blessing in a way. Better to know now instead of later."

Cole nods, his eyes filled with sympathy. "That's true," He agrees, his gaze searching hers. "It's a lot to process, and it's scary. But we'll get through it, okay? I promise." He says softly, his eyes shining with warmth. "And your mom is a strong woman. I'm sure she'll be able to fight this."

"I hope so." Hollyn sighs, scooting closer to him to lay her head on his shoulder. Their hands find each other's easily, his hand fitting perfectly with hers. "Thank you for staying with me last night, and this morning." She said quietly, her voice filled with gratitude. "It means a lot."

"Of course," Cole replies, squeezing her hand gently. "I wanna do whatever I can to help you." 

He leaned his head against hers, a soft smile tugging at his lips. They sat there together in silence, watching the dogs run around the backyard and taking comfort in each other's presence. The conversation weighed heavy in the air, but neither of them dared to say anything. Hollyn knew they couldn't predict the future, that no matter what, it would be scary and hard. But knowing he was by her side made it a little less daunting, a little more bearable.