The rhythmic beeping of medical equipment had become a constant backdrop to Miranda's days. A week had passed since Andrea had first opened her eyes, and while progress was slow, it was steady. Miranda found herself settling into a routine: mornings spent coordinating Runway affairs via phone and email, afternoons divided between Andrea's and Vannah's rooms, and evenings spent updating the twins and responding to the countless messages of support that had begun flooding in once news of the incident had spread.
On this particular afternoon, Miranda sat in Vannah's room, sipping a mediocre hospital coffee and watching as the older woman worked through her physical therapy exercises. Vannah's determination was admirable; despite the pain evident in the tight lines around her eyes, she pushed through each movement with gritted teeth and unwavering focus.
"You know," Vannah said between controlled breaths as she bent her newly replaced knee, "I never thought I'd be doing PT under the watchful eye of Miranda Priestly."
Miranda arched an eyebrow. "I assure you, Corporal, this isn't typically part of my day either."
Vannah chuckled, then winced as the movement pulled at her healing facial stitches. "I think after everything we've been through, you can call me Vannah."
A comfortable silence fell between them as Vannah finished her exercises and settled back against her pillows, exhaustion evident in the slump of her shoulders.
"How's Andy doing today?" Vannah asked, her voice tinged with concern for her daughter.
Miranda's expression softened almost imperceptibly. "Better. She managed to stay awake for nearly an hour this morning. The doctors are pleased with her lung function, and they're talking about starting her on solid foods soon."
Vannah nodded, relief washing over her features. "That's good. That's really good." She paused, studying Miranda's face intently. "You know, you don't have to be here every day. I'm sure you have a magazine to run, a life to get back to."
"Runway is in capable hands," Miranda replied, her tone dismissive. "And as for my life... well, I'm exactly where I need to be."
Something in Miranda's voice made Vannah tilt her head, a knowing look crossing her face. "Miranda," she said slowly, "can I ask you something?"
Miranda nodded, a flicker of apprehension passing through her at Vannah's tone.
"Are you in love with my daughter?"
The question hung in the air between them, heavy with implication. Miranda felt her heart rate quicken, her usual composure threatening to crack. For a moment, she considered deflecting, falling back on her well-practiced aloofness. But here, in this sterile hospital room thousands of miles from home, with Andrea fighting for recovery just down the hall, the truth spilled out before she could stop it.
"Yes," Miranda whispered, the admission feeling both terrifying and liberating. "Yes, I am."
Vannah's eyes widened slightly, more at Miranda's honesty than the content of her answer. "How long?"
Miranda sighed, running a hand through her signature silver hair. "Honestly? I'm not entirely sure. It... crept up on me, I suppose. I didn't realize the full extent of my feelings until I got that call, until I thought I might lose her."
A small smile played at the corners of Vannah's mouth. "You know, Andy talks about you all the time. Even here, even after everything, you're still on her mind."
Miranda felt a warmth bloom in her chest at Vannah's words. "Andrea is... remarkable. I've never met anyone quite like her."
"She is," Vannah agreed. "But Miranda, you have to understand something. Andy's going to have a long road ahead of her. Recovery, both physical and mental, it's not going to be easy. Are you prepared for that?"
The question gave Miranda pause. She thought about the Andrea she knew - vibrant, determined, full of life - and tried to reconcile that image with the battered, fragile woman lying in the hospital bed down the hall. She thought about the challenges ahead, the setbacks they would inevitably face, the dark days that were sure to come.
"I am," Miranda said finally, her voice steady and sure. "Whatever she needs, whatever it takes, I'll be there."
Vannah studied her for a long moment, as if searching for any sign of hesitation or insincerity. Finding none, she nodded. "Okay then."
"Okay?" Miranda repeated, a hint of surprise in her voice.
"Look, Miranda," Vannah said, her tone gentle but firm, "I won't pretend I understand this completely. You're... well, you're Miranda Priestly. And Andy, she's just starting out in life. But I've seen the way you look at her, the way you've been here every day, moving heaven and earth to make sure she gets the best care. That means something."
Miranda felt a lump forming in her throat, emotion threatening to overwhelm her usually impeccable control. "She means everything," she admitted softly.
Vannah reached out, grasping Miranda's hand in her own. The gesture, so unexpected and sincere, nearly undid Miranda completely.
"Then you have my blessing," Vannah said. "Not that you need it, but you have it all the same. Just... promise me you'll take care of her. Promise me you'll be patient. This isn't going to be easy."
Miranda squeezed Vannah's hand, a silent pact between them. "I promise."
As if on cue, a nurse appeared at the door. "Ms. Priestly? Gunnery Sergeant Sachs is asking for you."
Miranda stood, smoothing out non-existent wrinkles in her impeccable outfit. As she reached the door, Vannah called out to her.
"Miranda?"
She turned, one eyebrow raised in question.
"Thank you," Vannah said simply. "For being here. For caring. For loving her."
Miranda nodded, a small but genuine smile gracing her features. "Thank you for trusting me with her."
As she made her way down the hall to Andrea's room, Miranda felt as though a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. The road ahead would be long and undoubtedly difficult, but for the first time in a long time, Miranda Priestly felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
She paused at Andrea's door, taking a deep breath to compose herself. Then, with a soft knock, she entered, ready to face the woman she loved and the future they would build together, one day at a time.