Chapter 138

Noah's strong arms encircled Hazel's waist, guiding her back to the room with a gentle care that belied the turmoil in his own heart. Her sobs had subsided, but her eyes still held a haunting sadness, a vulnerability that tugged at his soul.

As they reached the bed, he tenderly helped her sit down, his hands lingering on her shoulders in a comforting embrace.

 "Do you need me to do anything for you, Hazel?" he asked, his voice low and soothing.

 "Do you want me to get you some water, or a blanket, or...?"

Hazel's voice was barely above a whisper, her words laced with a quiet resignation. 

"I'm okay for now, Noah. I just need to take a nap. That's all." Her eyelids drooped, her body swaying slightly as if the weight of her grief was threatening to pull her under.

Noah's heart ached with a deep longing to ease her pain, to take away the sorrow that had ravaged her face. 

He sat down beside her, his arms wrapping around her in a ge