Annie watched as Robert's face was a mix of amazement and determination, the latter as he mulled over plans in his head. Sun streamed in through the windows of the cafeteria, making the stubble on his jaw seem all the more obvious; his features softened into gentle shades. He was alive, and that seemed to warm her.

"Okay, first things first," Robert said, breaking her reverie. "What snacks are we taking with us?

Annie chuckled, her heart lifting at the sight of him engaged in this conversation. “I’m thinking a mix of road trip classics: chips, beef jerky, maybe some trail mix for those long stretches.”

“Definitely not a health food trip,” he teased, eyes dancing with mischief.

Hey now, don't knock trail mix! It's practically gourmet compared to the stuff I used to bring." She smirked back at him, enjoying this playful exchange.

"Alright, fine," he relented. "What about drinks? Gotta stay hydrated while we're out there."

Annie leaned in, conspiratorial. "I say we splurge on those fancy bottled waters you love.

Robert let loose a rich, belly laugh, carefree—a shadow of how he had been before it all became muddled with sickness.

"Okay, fancy water it is," he said. "And coffee? We can't hit the road without coffee."

"Agreed," she said, her voice firm. "We'll stop at every little café along the way for artisanal brews."

Again, his eyes turned contemplative, as if weighing their itinerary against reality.

But what if I can't keep up?" Robert's voice fell slightly, an undercurrent of fear entering his tone.

Annie squeezed harder onto his hand, undaunted. "You will keep up. We're going to take our time and enjoy every moment."

He looked at her then, his eyes searching hers for assurance. She nodded emphatically.

"Promise me?" His brow furrowed, as if he wanted to make quite sure she appreciated the depth behind his request.

"I promise," Annie said with soft determination.

The atmosphere between them seemed to hum with electricity as, in a tacit understanding, this trip became something more than an escape; it was hope for two young people standing upon quicksand.

There were people in the cafeteria, talking loudly and laughing about mundane things, but all Annie could feel was the steady heartbeat of Robert under her fingertips, their hands entwined in life rings through a sea of uncertainty.

A nurse, clipboard tucked under her arm, passed their table and caught their eye, smiling warmly at them as she continued her rounds. It was a fleeting moment, yet it reminded Annie how much they needed these little connections outside sterile treatment walls.

"So, what else do we need?" Robert asked abruptly, switching back into planning mode.

"How about music?" Annie chimed in bright. "We can make playlists for every mood."

Robert grinned wider now, full on into this dream-building exercise.

"Oh, definitely! And I want your favorite songs in there, too."

The minute they plunged in discussing playlists, with their laughter and soft chatter intertwined, time simply fled around them.

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Robert sat back in his chair, the spark in his eyes now alive with excitement.

What's your favorite road trip song?" he asked, a playful grin teasing at the corners of his mouth.

Annie frowned for a moment, pretending to be deep in thought. "That's easy! 'Take It Easy' by the Eagles. You know, classic feel-good vibes."

He laughed. "How cliché! But I really can't argue with the classics." He tapped his fingers on the table, the idea of their playlist already forming in his head.

"Alright, then what about you?" Annie shot back. "What's going on your side?

Robert tilted his head slightly, a finger tapping rhythmically against his chin. “I’ve got to go with something unexpected… How about ‘Life is a Highway’? Perfect for this adventure.”

“Nice choice!” Annie laughed. “It’s got that driving spirit.”

As they continued to brainstorm songs, the atmosphere shifted subtly around them. The hospital buzzed with life, but their small world felt cocooned in warmth and possibility.

Annie watched as Robert's fingers shook slightly as he reached for another chip. The carefree banter hid an underlying tension that seeped into her thoughts like a shadow creeping through light.

"Are you alright?" she asked softly, concern threading through her voice.

I'm fine," he said reassuringly, though he didn't quite meet her gaze, instead focusing on the table between them as if trying to find some answer within the worn surface.

"Really? Because you seem. I don't know. distant." She nudged him playfully with her shoulder, trying to draw him out of whatever fog had settled over him.

His expression softened as he looked up at her, that familiar spark flickering back to life. “Just thinking about how far we’ve come since… well, since all this started.”

Annie nodded slowly, recognizing the weight behind his words. They had navigated dark waters together—this time-traveling adventure twisted through moments of despair and hope alike.

“And where we’re going,” she added softly.

He smiled then, genuine and warm. “Exactly.”

I walked the nurse with an update—a routine checkup since Robert's most recent treatment session. She stood at their table, bright-eyed, with kindly glints in her eyes and a clipboard clutched under her arm.

"How are you holding up, you two?"

"Still planning our round-the-world road trip," he promptly responded.

"Well, now," she teased playfully, raising a questioning eyebrow. "That certainly sounds like something to look forward to. Just pace yourselves; no feeling rushed!

Annie felt Robert's hand squeeze hers beneath the table—a silent acknowledgment that they were ready for whatever came next.

Annie glanced at the nurse, who tapped her clipboard thoughtfully.

“I’ll be right back with your results,” the nurse said, her tone brightening as she walked away.

Robert turned to Annie, his expression shifting. “You think we’ll actually get to go?”

“Of course! Once you’re cleared, we’re hitting the road.” She leaned closer, excitement bubbling up again. “Imagine driving down the coast with the windows down, music blasting.”

He smiled, but a flicker of uncertainty crossed his face. “And what if—”

“Don’t even start.” Annie interrupted, raising a finger playfully. “No ‘what ifs.’ Just focus on getting better.”

He chuckled softly but still looked unconvinced.

"Hey, remember that playlist? 'Life is a highway' and all?" she reminded him softly.

"Yeah," he said. But his tone wasn't dripping with that signature zeal in his voice.

And within those minutes of their waiting, Annie traced how Robert's fingers drummed against the edge of the table nervously. Every beat reverberated in a brain wrecked by the chaotic thoughts-curse, hellish portal, impending doom.

She took a deep breath and changed the subject. "What about stops on the way? Any places you want to see?"

Robert paused a moment, considering. "I've always wanted to visit that giant redwood forest."

"Done!" Annie grinned, adding it to their growing itinerary mentally.

The nurse returned with a somber look on her face, clipboard now in hand. She scanned over Robert's chart briefly before looking up at them both.

"Good news," she said, firm but soft. "Your latest tests are showing improvement."

Instantly, Robert's eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Yes! We can go ahead with the next phase of your treatment." The nurse gave a warm smile, then added, "But I need you both to remember it's still going to be challenging.

Annie felt a wave of relief wash over her, yet a creeping tension from the reminder of Robert's fragile condition.

"I can handle it," he said resolutely, firm determination shining from his eyes.

Annie squeezed his hand again, searching his eyes for one speck of doubt. She found none but saw instead a spark that kindled in it something deep within her.

"That's my guy," she whispered.

"Now we just have to get you back on your feet so we can hit that road trip," she added cheerily.

Robert nodded slowly but couldn't shake off the shadows lurking in his mind-questionings; he didn't dare voice yet hovered between them like an uninvited guest at their table.

The moment was heavy with possibility as they shared a look filled with unspoken promises and dreams just out of reach.