Chapter 2 Broken Peace

"You're going to drive yourself crazy sitting here like this."

Looking away from my phone, I am surprised by Lucas speaking and breaking the tense silence of the waiting room. He stands before me, his clothes covered in paint and hair unkempt, showing he just left his studio. The concern in his blue eyes shatters the delicate restraint I've been maintaining.

"I already am," I mutter, dropping my phone into my lap. "There's no news, Lucas. She hasn't woken up."

Lucas brings a chair over and sits beside me, so near that our knees are nearly touching. "It's going to take time. Lila's strong. She'll fight through this."

I am willing to trust him, but skepticism is consuming me. "She lacks time. We need money, and fast. Her treatment-" My throat tightens as the word chokes me. "I don't know if I'll be able to gather that much money."

Lucas leans forward, his voice gentle but firm. "We'll figure it out. You're not in this alone, Eva. You've got Clara. You've got me."

I glance at Clara, who sits quietly a few chairs away, her eyes red from crying but determined as ever. She gives me a feeble grin, as I can see her making a great effort to appear strong for my sake.

"I simply can't figure out what to do," I admit quietly, my voice barely audible. "Each choice seems to be slipping out of reach."

Lucas puts his hand on my arm and gives a soft squeeze. "You are the kind of person who doesn't quit." Don't start now."

I retract my arm and rise to my feet, walking back and forth along the limited space of the waiting area. I feel anxious as I recall all the attempts we've made and all the obstacles we've encountered. There are no more items to sell, and no more loans available to borrow.

But then an idea hits me, and I stop mid-step. "My art."

"What?" Lucas's voice pulls me back.

"My art. I could do more commissions, maybe set up a gallery sale-something big." I start pacing again, the wheels in my mind turning faster. "I'll paint until my hands bleed if it means getting Lila the treatment she needs."

Lucas frowns, standing to meet me where I am. "You've already done so much, Eva. You're exhausted."

"I don't have a choice," I snap, feeling the frustration boil over. "What else am I supposed to do, Lucas? Watch her die? I have to do something."

He remains silent for a moment before turning to me with his usual intense gaze when discussing art. "If someone can succeed at it, it's you."

I breathe out forcefully, attempting to soothe my anxiety. Lucas always manages to motivate me to take action, but at the moment, the idea of picking up a paintbrush seems overwhelming. "But even if I do... how fast can I raise that kind of money? We're talking hundreds of thousands."

Clara stands and walks over, wrapping her arms around me. "Eva, you don't have to do this alone. We'll figure it out together, like always."

"I'm not sure if being together will be sufficient this time," I murmur, my voice cracking.

The ICU door swings open, causing my heart to jump into my throat, only to reveal that it's not Dr. Carter. Just a nurse passing through. The hope that had flickered for a moment dims again, leaving me hollow.

Lucas steps closer, catching my attention. "Listen to me. I'll talk to some people, get the word out. I know some art buyers who would pay a lot for an original Eva Harper piece. You'll get the money."

I shake my head. "And what if it's not enough? What if I fail?"

"You won't fail," he says, his voice firm, almost commanding. "You're too damn stubborn to fail."

I try to smile, but it's weak. "Stubborn doesn't pay medical bills."

"No, but talent does." He lifts his chin, challenging me. "And you have plenty of that."

I take a seat again, resting my head in my hands. I simply can't determine how much time she still has. What happens if I raise everything too late?

Clara sits beside me, rubbing my back in soothing circles. "Don't have those thoughts, Eva. You must concentrate on the things within your control. Currently, that is all we have."

I nod, my eyes welled up with unshed tears. Both of them are correct, however, it doesn't alleviate the oppressive burden on my chest. Lila's fate is uncertain, and I'm running low on choices.

Lucas's phone buzzed, and he swiftly answered. I leaned against the wall, gazing up at the ceiling attempting to clear my mind

However, my mind is consumed by thoughts of Lila - a weak, light-skinned girl connected to medical devices, struggling in a fight she may lose.

"I am not sure how much more of this I can handle," I mutter, mostly to myself.

Clara squeezes my hand. "You're stronger than you think."

Before I have a chance to reply, Lucas returns with a mixed expression of annoyance and an unreadable emotion. "That was the gallery. They're interested, but they need to see the work first."

I let out a bitter laugh. "Of course they do. Nothing comes easy, does it?"

He gives me a tight smile. "Never does, but we keep going anyway."

I stare at him silently, sensing the burden of everything overwhelming me. Lucas has consistently been present, dependable, and the one who helps me through my toughest times. Currently, nothing seems satisfying.

"I'll go for a walk to get some ideas," I say quietly. "I need to start something."

"You sure you're up for that?" Clara asks, her brow furrowing in concern. "You have not had any sleep in-"

"I'm okay," I interrupted, getting up and taking my bag. I must do this.

Lucas watches me closely, his eyes searching mine. ""I will give you a ride."

"I shake my head and say no." I need some time alone. Just... clear my head."

Clara stands, her expression softening. "Eva, there's no need for you to handle everything on your own.

I look at her, sensing the frustration rising once more. I am not doing this because I want to, Clara. I have no choice but to do it."

Lucas steps forward, his voice low and steady. "Then let us help."

I lock eyes with him, a tense and unspoken tension lingers. His point is valid, but it doesn't alleviate the situation at all. I give a single nod, however, the tightness in my chest remains.

"I will meet you all later," I quietly state before making my way to the door. Opening it, I feel the cool air on my face and take a deep breath, attempting to quiet my frantic mind.

However, I am aware that peace cannot be found within me. Not until Lila wakes up.

If she wakes up.

I walk out, already thinking about what tasks need to be done and figuring out how to make it all happen. However, the persistent uncertainty eats away at me, serving as a constant indication of how near I am to losing it all.

And deep down, I can't ignore the sense that something larger is on the horizon, hovering nearby, ready to descend.