The next few days were a blur.

Aaron got discharged, he was very unhappy about that. But I was glad he was okay. He left the hospital for around 2 hours, but then came back, and has been hanging out on a chair in my room ever since.

I hadn't seen Luca since, but the others apart from Zac tried to visit.

Alex, Nate, Hunter and Caleb visited the least, mainly because they couldn't get here without anyone to drive them.

Oddly enough, Chance and Chester would visit after work everyday, I guess they felt they had to, seeing as it was on the way home.

I couldn't really call it visiting for Aaron, seeing as he barely left.

He was very anxious, every time I went for examination or something he would insist he came along. It was like he thought if he let me out of his sight I'd be kidnapped or something.

If it wasn't totally hypocritical of me, I would really suggest he see a therapist. Think he might have some kind of PTSD or something.

When we were simply together in the room, it was peaceful. I actually liked it, without the guilt of not giving the others attention. Here it wasn't my fault if Aaron was the only one I talked to, because it was up to them to come see me.

Not like I wouldn't mind their company, but the stress about it was getting so bad, I was happy for the break.

I was able to wear my own clothes now, which I really appreciated. Didn't appreciate having to ask Aaron to go get them though, but it was worth it.

As I was technically no longer bed bound or at risk, I was moved to a different ward, which was scary. I had to map out the room all over again. Thankfully, it seemed pretty much a flipped version of the old one.

I was supposedly able to go down to the cafeteria, and the cafe, and the little garden area. But I was too scared to go out the room for long.

Aaron seemed to really want to, he wanted a break. Not like he had to stay with me though, but I could understand his anxiety. He asked every now again if I wanted to go outside, but thankfully didn't push it any more than that, which I appreciated.

At the moment we were waiting for the doctor to call us for an eye check up. They actually barely touched my eyes in the past few days, so I was unsure of their current state.

The check up was delayed however and I couldn't relax, just sat there waiting.

Until Aaron started quizzing me on various horse breeds that is.

"What breed is known for having spots all over?"

"Um, like an appaloosa? Or a knabstrupper?" I smiled.

"Hm. Okay, what types of appaloosa are there?"

"The spotty types." I smirked.

"That's not what they're called. And not all appaloosa markings are spots."

"Uh, really? There's the spotty butt one, and the Dalmatian one..and the half spotty one..."

"Well, the 'spotty butt one' is called a blanket, then there's one that's just a  solid white marking on the flank, that's a snowcap. The Dalmatian is a leopard appaloosa, the half spotty is called a semi-Leopard. There's also one with small white spots called a snowflake, and one that has spots and a roaning like whiteness called a varnish roan, which counts as an appaloosa marking rather than a roan."

"Welp, opened the flood gates there didn't I." I commented and he chuckled.

"Sorry."

"It's interesting, maybe when I could see what you mean though."

"Right..."

"What's that breed that's like, pure white, with the pink skin?"

"Camarillo? Oh, it looks like someone's coming." He commented just before someone opened the door.

"We're ready for you now." A lady's voice stated. "Would you like me or your..." She paused. "Friend or family member to guide you?"

"Wow, friend or family member, took no risks with that one." I commented and Aaron chuckled. "I don't mind."

"Well I'm coming with you either way." Aaron stated.

"Okay, well it's not too far away." The lady chirped, seemingly taking a few steps out of the room.

I sighed before standing up, and felt Aaron's presence beside me.

"You going to be alright?" He asked and I smiled.

"Sure, but if you make me run into something you'll regret it." I warned.

"Don't worry, I would never do that."

I'm so nervous right now. I don't want to crash into anything in the hallway... I'm worried about how my eyes are doing. Ugggh I can't take this.

I jumped when Aaron grabbed my hand, and grit my teeth when he began to gently pull me in direction of the door.

Oh god oh god. It's so loud.

I tensed and raised my shoulders as the noise grew louder.

"So busy." I commented with a sigh.

"Don't worry, people steer clear of someone with bandages around their eyes."

"Some people are too busy to notice that kind of thing." I huffed and tensed up when he pulled me towards him.

I felt the whoosh of something passing right behind me and chewed on my lip.

"I'll keep them out of the way."

"You might not be able to react fast enough."

"We're nearly there." The woman reassured.

Hhhhhhhhhh.

I don't wanna dieee.

"Riley, you're digging in your nails...a lot." Aaron quietly complained.

"Oh my god, I'm sorry."

"It's fine, you should relax though, it's not like anyone's going to come hurtling down the hallway or something."

"...I guess so."

"There's a little ridge here." Aaron warned, and I slowed slightly.

"What do you mean..."

"Just half a step in front, just make a full step and you'll avoid it."

"Ugh I hate this." I complained, timidly stepping over whatever it was and bumping into him infront of me.

"Not that big of a step." He chuckled. "Come on, we're falling behind now."

He eventually slowed, and I heard a door opening to the side.

"Hello! Riley isn't it?" Someone called from inside the room, another woman.

"Uh huh..." I replied nervously.

"Are you wanting your companion to be in here as well?"

"Yeah..."

"Are you alright if I guide you to the seat?" She asked, and I nodded.

She reached out to touch me and I flinched.

"A bit jumpy are we, don't worry, I won't be doing anything sudden or dangerous. Just examining your eyes. Could you take a seat, a few inches to your left."

I sat down cautiously before frowning and touching whatever was in front of me.

Feels like some kind of machine. Oh, it's probably one of those optician things.

The lady sat down in front of me, moving the equipment to the side, I think.

"What's your name?" She asked Aaron, I'm assuming.

"It's Aaron."

"Could you dim the lights a little more Aaron? They'd be a bit overwhelming as they are."

"Of course."

"Great, that's it, thanks. So I'm going to first take the bandages off, then have a look at your eyes, but if you feel uncomfortable at any time, you may take a break. Alright?"

"Okay..."

I flinched and moved my head back a little when she touched me.

"Sorry, reflex." I apologised, forcing myself to keep my head still.

"You're very jumpy aren't you. You ready?"

"Sure..." I replied nervously, and she started unwrapping it, then made a strange noise.

I looked at the wall once she took it off, my eyes were dark and spotty for a few moments, but then they cleared, slightly.

"Oop, sorry, for a moment there I thought you had cataracts, but no, you have really pale eyes." She laughed a little. "I was expecting brown eyes, you two aren't related, are you."

"Oh my god, it feels really bright." I squinted, bringing my hand to my eyes.

"No, we're not related." Aaron answered as I winced and blinked.

I definitely felt an imbalance between the two, I could see much better out of the left, but the right wasn't completely dark.

I eventually forced myself to turn and look at Aaron, who was frowning, probably at the wounds.

"You need a trim, or a shave." I chuckled, and he smiled brightly.

"A bit."

"Alright, can I have a look at them?" The lady asked, and I turned back to her. She was ginger with glasses, very kind looking.

I had to resist the urge to move away when she leaned in towards my eyes. It was a bit uncomfortable. I couldn't tell her reaction because she was frowning in concentration.

I flinched when she shone a torch in my eye and instinctively closed them.

"Sorry, does that cause discomfort?"

"Yes, like a shit ton."

"Riley." Aaron huffed.

"Oh, sorry. Like a lot." I chuckled, pulling my tongue out at him.

The woman smiled. "Alright, they may be sensitive for a while. Are you alright to continue?"

"Yes, sure."

"Good."

I frowned when she shone it again, it was really uncomfortable, like I was looking at the sun for ages or something.

Her frown changed a bit when she examined the other. "Does this one have the same sensitivity?"

"Not really."

"Can you... see the light?" She asked, and I glanced over at Aaron.

"Uh..." I bit my lip. "A bit."

"Okay, were going to have a little sight test, and then I'm going to take a few pictures of your eyes, is that alright?"

"Mhm."

"Great." She covered my right eye with her hand. "Can you see my finger?" She asked, holding it up in front of her.

"Yup."

"Is it distorted or blurred in any way?"

"A little blurred."

"Okay. Can you read the letters on the screen over there?"

I frowned at the board. "Yikes.. uh...G?  D...or C..I think that's an X."

"Okay, well perfect sight would be a miracle at this stage." She reassured. "Let's try the other one." She said, covering my left eye and immediately making my vision distort.

Oh, fuck.

I winced slightly, finding the difference almost painful.

"Can you see my finger?" She asked and chewed on my lip.

"Uh...."

"Not whether it's blurred or not, but can you see it against the white of my clothes?"

"Um..."

"It's alright if you can't."

"...I can't, sorry."

"Can you describe what you can see?"

"Colours... smudged colours."

"Alright, that's okay. Let's have a closer look at them." She took her hand away and I blinked to readjust. Aaron was sitting there with his hands against the side of his head, making me feel like I just failed an exam or something.

She pulled the equipment back and smiled at me.

"Can you put your chin on here?" She said, pointing at the... contraption.

That looks super weird.

I placed my head against it, albeit reluctantly, and she put her thumbs up.

"Great!"

"I'm glad that makes you happy." I smirked, not really appreciating her condescending tone.

"Sorry, force of habit. There will be a few flashes, is that alright?"

"I guess so."

"Okay, here we go."

I couldn't help but flinch a little every time it went off. It felt very unpleasant, almost painful.

My eyes felt tired and stingy already, and it had only been a few minutes.

I let a sigh of relief when she was done, and sat there uncomfortably while she studied the pictures and wrote stuff down. Like a lot of stuff.

I gave Aaron a little smile, he was still frowning, seeming very unhappy.

"Are you alright?" I asked him, seeing at the lady didn't seem to be finishing any time soon.

He sat up slightly with a sigh, and I glanced down at his hand.

It still had a cast around it, now with some doodles on, guessing that was one of his brother's doing. Other than that, and his longer than usual beard, he looked fine. He had his hair up in a very 'I'm stressed as fuck' messy bun.

"I'm fine." He sighed again, and I tilted my head at him.

"Alright, I'm done." The lady announced and I glanced back at her.

"So, the left eye. Showing no signs of concern, maybe even unusual evidence of healing, it is still sensitive, but without any complications, should recover in time." She smiled at me, and then at Aaron, guessing she was catching his worried vibe as well.

"The right, however, is showing signs of further... complications. There is a lot of dead tissue, and the... Cut is a little too large for it to heal quickly by itself. A second surgery is suggested, although, I'm afraid your insurance wouldn't cover the type of surgery I'm talking about."

"Not really surprising, it barely covers anything."

"If it goes untreated, there may be minimal recovery, but it's not possible to tell at this stage."

"Okay, I guess I'll find out."

"You're not interested in the surgery?"

"No."

"Riley." Aaron huffed.

"I'm unable to pay any kind of fee."

"Riley, at least talk to me about it." Aaron growled, seeming irritated. The lady looked awkwardly between us.

"Okay, well, the surgery can be organised at a later date, if you change your mind. Although, the longer you wait, the bigger the surgery it is, as your eye may heal incorrectly."

"Okay, may I go now?"

"You may, however, your injury needs to be assessed by a nurse, and depending on that, a fresh bandage applied. A nurse will meet you back in your room." She smiled, and I stood up.

"Thanks."

Great, more blindness.

Damn, this sucks. I can't see shit.

Whatever, at least they're not gone.

Aaron was frowning, but still opened the door and didn't say anything as I walked out.

"It's really bright out here." I winced, shaking my head.

"You can close them if you want, I'll help you back." He suggested.

"No,  that's fine."

I walked for a little bit, but the blurry movement made me dizzy.

I eventually stood against the wall, feeling a bit overwhelmed.

"Close your eyes or look at the floor, come on." Aaron offered his hand, and I sighed before taking it and staring at the ground.

I was starting to get a headache, and my eyes were dry and painful.

Ugh if this is the price of sight I don't want it.

Aaron eventually turned into a room and I glanced around it.

Huh, so weird, it's different to what I was thinking in my head, but the layout gives me a sense of déjà vu.

"Guess we're waiting for the nurse now." He said as I walked in.

I sat on the edge of the bed with a sigh, then stared out of the window with a squint.

"Everything feels so bright." I huffed, looking away and blinking.

"Why don't you want that surgery Riley?" Aaron asked flatly, I could tell he wasn't in the mood for deflection.

"I don't have the money. And I don't want to owe anyone. Fullstop. So don't bother offering."

"But we do have the money, we can help you. Better off spent giving someone sight than some stupid luxuries."

"That money belongs to the family that earned it. Not some random intrusion in their life."

"Riley. You don't seriously think that do you?"

"Of course, it's not opinion, it's reality. I'm intruding if you want me here or not."

"We do want you here, you're part of the family."

"You do, maybe. But you can't speak for the rest of your family. They wouldn't be so happy with me taking their money." I stated and he frowned, opening his mouth to speak. He paused, then sighed and shook his head.

"I'll talk to them about it. This discussion isn't over." He huffed, looking upset, and I smiled at him.

"You've done enough for me already. I wouldn't have gotten through this without you. These past few months even...there are many things I owe you for already."

I stood up and walked over to him, and he smiled. "You don't owe me anything, I wanted to do those things. And I'd do it again if I had to."

I tilted my head as I stared at his face, making his brow twitch slightly.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I was wondering what you'd look like if you'd shave." I smiled and he chuckled.

"I know, I need a trim, I get it."

"Well, I mean, like, completely off."

"Um, not that different."

"Really? A beard makes a ton of difference, it likes hides your jawline and that..."

"Uh, okay." He chuckled awkwardly. "I'm feeling a little awkward under your scrutinizing gaze." He commented and I laughed a little.

"My what? I was just wondering, jeez."

I frowned when he tilted my chin slightly, staring at my eyes with a troubled expression.

"I bet they look awful." I smirked.

"They're still beautiful. Now they're even more unique."

"Oh? Unique huh?"

"Of course. Scars tell a story. They prove you've lived. Someone with scars tends to have lived a much more interesting life than someone with no injuries whatsoever."

"Yeah well I think I might have preferred the no scars life."

"Well, when the scars get to this extent, I'm sure." He sighed. "I'm so glad your eyes are healing. I was so worried." He sighed again and I smiled at him.

"You're adorable." I chuckled, before leaning in and kissing his cheek. "Thank you." I mumbled, before hugging him.

"Why do you insist on calling me that." He huffed and I chuckled.

"Being adorable is a good thing, like a lamb, or a bunny."

"You calling me a lamb?"

"Would you feel better if I called you an adorable lion?"

"No, lions are mean." He stated and I chuckled.

"Fair point." I moved back slightly and he smiled warmly at me. "What?" I eventually asked when he still didn't move.

He blinked. "Uh, nothing. I'm just glad you're okay." He sighed, leaning his forehead against mine.

I closed my eyes and smiled, feeling less anxious than before.

Although I did still jump when someone abruptly knocked on the door.

A male nurse was smiling at us, a little forced, making it seem almost creepy.

"Uh, sorry. I'm here to assess your injury?"

"Right, yeah." I sighed, moving back and sitting on the edge of the bed.

He placed a tray on the bed before facing me, and I looked down at it anxiously. Some kind of antibacterial liquid...oh no. Stingy stuff.

Fuck.

Just what I need, pain.

"Okay so I can see straight away that you're going to need a gauze for a bit longer. The incision here is particularly deep. Could possibly have some medical tape or glue, but as the injury on your cornea is also in need of coverage I'd suggest a large gauze again like before." He explained bluntly and I sighed.

"Right, sure."

"I'm also going to disinfect the wound with some antibacterial. Is that alright?"

"Great, can't wait." I huffed and he smiled.

"It's going to be a little unpleasant, especially around the sensitive tissue of your eyelid, but it's necessary." He stated and wasted no time in covering a cotton pad with the liquid. "You ready? Close your eyes until I'm completely done, ok? And the bandage reapplied."

"Right." I sighed, chewing at my lip and taking one last glance around. Aaron was pacing slightly behind him, but smiled at me reassuringly.

I closed my eyes and then clenched my jaw when he immediately began applying the antibacterial.

Ow.

Ow ow ow!

Fuck that hurts.

"Try not to frown." He said and I bit down on my lip instead.

Ow. This is causing a great deal of irritation. Does he have to jab me like that.

Ugh.

"Could you move your head back towards me?" He asked, and I chuckled awkwardly.

"Sorry, subconscious reaction."

"It happens."

I sighed again, concentrating on keeping my head still.

"Alright." He began