Sera let out a quiet breath, the corners of her lips twitching up in a small, grateful smile. “You always know what to say,” she whispered, her fingers tightening around his as he helped her to her feet.

Her heart fluttered with anxiety, but Finn’s voice—his steady warmth—kept her grounded. She leaned into his side for just a moment before pulling on her coat. “Okay,” she murmured, glancing at him. “Let’s go get some answers.” Her tone was braver than she felt, but with him beside her, she could face anything.

Sera walked quietly beside him, their hands still laced together. The cold morning air kissed her cheeks, but it was grounding—steadying. She glanced up at Finn as he opened the car door for her, her heart swelling with love for him despite the nerves curling in her stomach. She buckled up her seat belt.

Sera leaned into the kiss, her eyes fluttering shut for a brief moment as the warmth of it calmed her nerves just a little. She stayed quiet as Finn started the car, the gentle hum of the engine filling the silence between them. Her fingers fidgeted again in her lap, thumbs rubbing over each other in a nervous rhythm.

As the familiar streets passed by outside the window, she glanced over at him—his profile bathed in soft morning light, eyes focused on the road, one hand on the wheel, the other still warm from holding hers.

Once they arrived, she unbuckled her seat belt, taking a deep breath before opening the door and exiting the car.

Sera clung to Finn’s hand like it was the only thing anchoring her in place. The nerves were starting to settle heavy in her chest, thick and sticky, making it hard to breathe. But his hand was steady, warm, and that helped.

She didn’t want to let go.

When the nurse called her name, she hesitated. She looked at Finn—his soft smile, the silent reassurance in his eyes—and gave his hand one last squeeze before she let go. The absence of it immediately made her feel cold.

“I’ll be right out,” she said, trying to keep her voice light, but it shook at the end.

She followed the nurse back, casting one last look over her shoulder at him before she disappeared behind the door. The sterile walls and quiet buzz of the office felt suddenly too big, too quiet without him there beside her.