Operation: Threads of Connection

Family

"Anya... Is she okay? How long have I been out?" I asked, my mind still foggy.

"She's fine," Yor reassured me. "She's been worried about you, but she's safe. We're all safe. You've been sleeping for the past two days. After dropping Anya off at school, I made sure to be here by your side. "

I nodded weakly, the weight of the past few days settling over me. "I'm sorry, Yor. I didn't mean to worry you both." Two days? Wait, does that mean, Yor spent her birthday sitting at the hospital? Watching over me? "

She shook her head, tears welling up again. "No, Loid. I'm just glad you're okay."

I sat up, winching a bit from my aching wound. Yor quickly got up to help me, I turned to face her and reached out for her hand. " I'm also sorry for breaking my promise Yor. I'm sorry you spent your birthday like this... I know it's late, Happy Birthday Yor," I said, giving her a small smile.

Tears began flowing down her cheeks as she smiled graciously, "Thank you, Loid, I'm sorry for being such a cry baby, I've just had to be strong for Anya, I can't help but break down now that I know you're okay," She replied in sobs. I couldn't help but laugh as I wiped away her tears.

"Thank you for being brave for her, thank you for taking care of her as well. The last thing I remembered before losing consciousness was Anya and you. Both of you smiling at me, the thought of you two that kept me fighting," I confessed, my voice growing stronger with each word.

Yor's grip on my hand tightened. "We need you, Loid. Anya and I... we can't do this without you."

I nodded, feeling the truth in her words. "And I need you both, more than anything. This family means everything to me, You mean everything to me Yor." Yor began blushing as she took a deep breath.

"Loid... I-I-I... I-" She began stumbling with her words. If the shot didn't kill me, I know Yor would happily finish me off if I get this wrong. I placed my hand on her cheek pulling her closer to me. With very little space left I put my forehead on hers.

"I know," I whispered as I closed the gap between us, placing a soft kiss to her lips. After a couple seconds, I let her go. I had my eyes closed as I waited for the death punch to come at any moment. But instead, I received a warm hand to my cheek as she kissed me back.

A soft knock on the door interrupted our moment. We both turned to see the door open slightly, and Anya peeked her head through the gap. Her eyes widened when she saw me sitting up. "Papa!" she cried out, rushing into the room.

Yor let go of my cheek to allow Anya to climb onto the bed. She wrapped her arms around my neck, holding on as if she would never let go. "Papa, you're awake! I missed you so much!"

I hugged her back, feeling a rush of warmth and relief. "I missed you too, Anya. I'm so sorry I made you worry."

Anya pulled back just enough to look at me, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "It's okay, Papa.ut you promised to come back, and you did."

I smiled, touched by her words and her understanding. "Yes, I did. And I will always come back to you and Mama."

Yor moved closer, sitting on the edge of the bed. The three of us sat there, a family united by more than just circumstance, but by love and an unbreakable bond.

"Now that Papa is awake, we can celebrate Mama's birthday properly!" Anya announced, her excitement contagious.

Yor blushed and shook her head. "Anya, it's okay. Just having Loid awake is the best gift I could have asked for."

"Nonsense," I said, reaching out to squeeze Yor's hand again. "We owe you a proper celebration. Let's plan something special, just for you."

Anya's face lit up with ideas, and Yor's smile grew wider, her earlier tears replaced with happiness. For the first time in days, the room was filled with laughter and hope.