THE UBER RIDE WAS AGONIZING.

The couple were cuddled up to each other, which made Noah worry less. Mal's insides were knotted up together in worry, however.

"How are you feeling, baby?" she asked in a small, scared tone.

Noah let out a small tear at the pain. "My insides are burning."

She planted a small kiss on his forehead, tears filling her eyes. She felt like she could end up vomiting herself, but she tried to stay strong. She hugged him tighter as she whispered small nothings into his ear.

"It's okay, baby. It's going to be alright, I promise."

As soon as they reached the hospital, Mal helped him out of the car and inside the place. The secretaries helped them inside a big, empty room, making Noah lie on the bed so he could finally relax.

It all passed faster than they thought.

The doctors were running tests and X-rays, coming in and out of the room.

"Miss... Mohamed? May I please speak with you outside?" the doctor asked. Mal nodded through her tears, and followed her outside.

"Miss Mohamed, can you think of anyone who might be willing to hurt your boyfriend? Anyone who might sexually hurt him or cause him pain?"

"N-No, I can't really think of someone. Why, is everything alright?" she asked back, her heart beating faster in worry.

"Well, is someone hurting Mr Jupe at home?"

Mal furrowed her eyebrows as she thought for a moment. "No, I don't think so. Please, just tell me what's going on."

The doctor sighed as she held her papers close to her chest. "Mr Jupe has been poisoned, with Arsenic."

Her heart dropped to her stomach.

"W-What?"

"Unfortunately we have to remove the poison from his system by putting him in a drug-induced coma."

Mal turned to sit down on the plastic seats, running her hand through her long, straight hair. The floor seemed to sway beneath her feet.

"W-What? Why?! Who would do this to him!" she exclaimed, tears running down her face.

Who would do this to him? Who might be cruel enough to do such thing?

The two questions repeated themselves until the words lost their meaning.

"I have to inform his parents."

The doctor then hurried out of her sight. Mal then began crying hysterically, trying to cover her sobs with her hands.

She felt hopeless, like the one good thing in her life has just been taken away from her. Of course, she had other good things in her life, but Noah managed to lighten up every room he walked in. He managed to lighten up her room.

And he was better at it than anyone else.

-

"Can I see him now?"

The doctors nodded, then led her in the room. She saw Noah lying on the soft bed, unconscious, with a tube down his throat so he could breath properly. She let out a tear as she sat down on the chair next to him, then reached down to squeeze his hand between hers.

"I love you so much, baby. Be strong."

She whispered, rubbing her thumb across his hand gently. She stood up and planted her lips on his forehead in a soft, passionate kiss.

"I'm going to be back for you."

She whispered again, then hurried out of the room.