His mind was in shambles.
Too many things were happening at once that he didn't know how to proceed anymore. His only thoughts were of her. They always centered on her.
Even during the time they were apart.
After showering and dressing, he makes his way downstairs. Before he even hits the landing, he can hear an intense conversation occurring.
About him.
Elena's son and daughter-in-law speak in whispers as if that would somehow prevent his hearing them. Michael tries to assuage his wife's fear of what she calls "your mother's troubling friends". She wants to send their children to stay with her parents until they can leave this place, but Michael insists they stay. They need to pay their respects to their grandmother despite the disturbing situation. Besides, Uncle Jeremy attests to their safety.
She's not convinced.
Before he enters the kitchen, he makes as much noise as possible, alerting them to his presence. They abruptly end their conversation, switching to inane chit-chat. He walks in and feels the tension immediately although Michael tries to mask it with a hearty "good morning". His wife just flashes a stiff smile in his general direction. Before Stefan has a chance to respond, Michael continues to talk, pointing to the refrigerator and telling him to help himself to any leftovers from breakfast. It's as if he's trying to make Stefan feel welcome in his own house. Stefan knew this would be difficult, but now it was just getting ridiculous.
He remains polite. He knows they won't be here much longer. He asks where everyone else is, and Michael tells him that his sister Miranda and her husband took the kids into town to explore. It was such a quaint little town they couldn't resist. Just as he finishes his sentence, Rachel blurts out that his friend is with Elena, giving him a look that signifies his presence is unwanted. He simply nods his head before walking out, biting his tongue and reminding himself that his existence is difficult to comprehend.
He makes his way to his bedroom, acknowledging the fact that he did his daily duty of talking to her family. His one obligation is done for the day. When he gets near enough to his room, he quickly reflects on how it has changed since he saw it last. Medical equipment fills it now instead of laughter and love, and a dying Elena lies in his bed instead of the vibrant one he remembers.
Caroline is already seated cross-legged on the bed, talking quietly as though a word above a whisper would burst Elena's eardrums. The nurse is busy checking her vitals and administering medication. He says good morning, and Caroline turns her head, giving a more relaxed smile than this morning's. He walks over to the bed, and Caroline scoots over, making room for him as he sits and leans over to give Elena a kiss. Seeing her this way disturbs him, but he refuses to show it. It's not that he doesn't love her still. It's just that seeing her like this destroys him.
To be honest, he never thought it would come to this.
Elena puts on a brave face, refusing to acknowledge her pain. She complains very little and says she is completely comfortable. He and Caroline smile and nod; both are aware that this is a lie. Once the nurse leaves, they go about their daily routine. Caroline shuts the door as Stefan draws the shades and opens the windows, letting the fresh air breeze through. They both move back to the bed, and while Stefan leans Elena against his chest, Caroline brushes her hair. As she gently moves the brush, she hums quietly, putting all three of them at ease. They share stories about the past, moments that none of them can ever truly forget. Each has their own perspective, but none can deny the love of the memories.
This is their way of saying farewell.
When Caroline finishes, they ease Elena back onto her pillows. She whispers a thank you, but neither hears her. Both have turned their heads, their attention being drawn downstairs. The front door has opened.
Damon's come home.