"Dark Clouds Gather"

Maya's heart sank as she listened to Ethan's words, her mind racing with possibilities. What did Ethan want to talk about? And what did it have to do with her sister? She glanced over at Beck, her eyes searching for reassurance. "Tell me more," she said, her voice firm. There was a pause on the other end of the line, and for a moment, Maya wondered if Ethan had hung up. But then he spoke, his voice low and serious. "It's about Clary," he said. "She was hurt last night." Maya's grip on the phone tightened, her knuckles white. "What happened?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Ethan hesitated before speaking. "She was trying to protect Allison," he said. "Allison was in trouble, and Clary stepped in to help. But things went wrong, and Clary got hurt." Maya's mind reeled as she processed the information. Clary, her sister, had always been the protective type, but this was different. This was about her best friend, Allison. Maya's thoughts flashed back to the times Allison had been there for her, the times they had shared laughter and tears. "What kind of trouble?" Maya asked, her voice firm. "I'm not entirely sure," Ethan replied. "But I know it was something big. Clary was trying to shield Allison from harm, but she ended up getting hurt in the process." Maya's eyes welled up with tears as she thought about her sister. Clary had always been there for her, supporting her and protecting her. And now, she was hurt. "Where is she?" Maya asked, her voice urgent. "She's at the hospital," Ethan replied. "The doctors are doing everything they can, but...Maya, I have to warn you, it's not looking good." Maya felt like she had been punched in the gut. She couldn't breathe, couldn't think. All she could do was feel a deep sense of fear and worry. Beck's arms tightened around her, his presence a steady anchor in the midst of the storm. "I'm here, Maya," he whispered. "I'll go with you to the hospital." Maya nodded, even though he couldn't see her. She knew she wasn't alone, and that gave her the strength to face whatever was coming. "I'm on my way," she said to Ethan, her voice firm. "Thank you for telling me." As she hung up the phone, Maya turned to Beck, her eyes locked on his. "We have to go to the hospital," she said, her voice urgent. "Clary's been hurt." Beck nodded, his face set in a determined expression. "Let's go," he said, already getting out of bed. Together, they rushed out of the room, ready to face whatever lay ahead. Maya's heart was heavy with worry, but with Beck by her side, she felt a sense of hope. They would get through this, together.