Shannon sighed. All she wanted was to paint her toenails, to have some semblance of normalcy back. But she couldn't even do that by herself anymore. It was humiliating. Someone had to help her change her bandages, too.
Speak of the devil. Sayid approached her tent, checking his watch. "Can I help with your bandages?"
"It's not like I can change them myself," she snapped, then caught herself. "I'm sorry, Sayid. Thank you for the help."
"I don't mind helping."
"I know you don't. It's just… I finally started trying to be different, to be independent, and then this happens and ruins it."
He offered an encouraging smile. "It's alright to need help, Shannon."
"Thanks." After a pause, she continued, "I guess it's sort of hard to change your whole personality, huh?"
She heard him laugh, really laugh, for the first time in days – since she'd been shot, in fact. It had been a pathetic attempt at a joke, but both were desperate for something positive after the past few days. She couldn't help snorting and giggling, too. Soon they were both laughing and leaning against each other.
"You want help with that?" Sayid gestured to the bottle of nail polish.
"That would be great."
After a few weeks, Shannon's arm was healing nicely and Jack deemed her strong enough to get back to her normal activities. Unlike before her injury, Shannon was now determined to contribute to the welfare of the camp and to make an effort to get to know the other survivors. She'd met everyone in the camp over the past few weeks, and had forged friendships with quite a few of the women. It was nice, she had to admit, to let people in and to be… loved. Her heart felt like it had expanded.
She looked up from her conversation with Claire to see Sayid approaching them. "Do you mind if I go, Claire?"
Claire smirked knowingly, bouncing Aaron. "Not at all. Enjoy."
Shannon winked at her. "Thanks."
Shannon hugged Sayid in greeting. "Hey! What's up?"
"We're going into the jungle to look for Walt. I thought you might like to join."
She knew Sayid believed in her. He'd told her as much. However, the fact that he was including her in the important business of the island was a tangible representation of that fact. It made her feel proud of who she'd become, of who she could still become. The past couldn't touch her now.
"I'd love to go. When are we leaving?"
"Tomorrow morning at dawn."
"I'll be there." Shannon smiled. "Thank you for believing in me." She kissed him gently. "Wanna join everyone by the fire and sing Kumbaya?"
He cracked a grin. "I would love to."
Hand in hand, they ventured over to the fire, sitting next to each other and feeling a sense of calm wash over them. Shannon leaned back against Sayid's chest and he ran a gentle hand along her arm. She kissed his cheek. "I love you."