The medical bay was quieter that morning. Silver had just stepped out after another round of careful stretches. Cream was curled up in a chair nearby, softly humming a lullaby. April sat beside Shadie, absentmindedly flipping through a magazine, though her eyes were clearly on her friend more than the pages. Then came the knock—hurried, almost frantic. Before anyone could respond, the door flew open, and Fiona the Fox burst in, slightly out of breath, still wearing her travel gear. Her green eyes locked onto Shadie, and in an instant, the calm in the room shifted into something heavier—something raw and real. “Shadie…” Fiona’s voice cracked as she stepped forward. Shadie’s eyes widened. “Fiona…?” The fox nodded, moving closer to the bed with careful, urgent steps. “I got here as fast as I could. Flights were delayed. I—I should’ve been here.” Shadie sat up slightly, wincing at the movement, but her voice was calm. “You didn’t know how fast everything would happen. You’re here now.” But Fiona shook her head, visibly holding back tears. “I should’ve been by your side from the beginning. I’m your best friend. You were fighting for your life, and I was halfway across the country.” Shadie reached out weakly, placing her hand on Fiona’s. “You always believed in me. Even when I didn’t believe in myself. That helped more than you know.” Fiona finally broke, tears slipping down her cheeks as she gripped Shadie’s hand tightly. “I was so scared I’d be too late. I kept thinking... what if I never got to tell you how much you mean to me? How proud I am of you?” Shadie smiled softly, a tear slipping from the corner of her eye. “You didn’t have to say it, Fi. I’ve always known.” April cleared her throat, brushing her eyes with the back of her glove. “You two are gonna make me cry.” Cream giggled from her chair, clutching her stuffed bunny. “It’s okay! Happy tears are the best kind.” The tension in the room eased into warmth, the kind only true friendship could bring. Fiona pulled up a chair beside the bed, not letting go of Shadie’s hand. “I’m not leaving again,” she said quietly. “Not until you're back on your feet.” Shadie nodded, her chest full. “Then I guess I’ll have to heal faster.” And for the first time since the battle ended, Shadie felt whole again.
