“Hey, Kiara, wake up.” The soft voice gently stirred her from sleep. Slowly, Kiara’s heavy lids fluttered open, though exhaustion still clung to her like chains. Her body felt weak, so frail that even lifting herself seemed impossible.
Gabrielle was there instantly, slipping an arm behind her and carefully adjusting the pillows until Kiara could sit upright without strain.
“Thank you,” Kiara whispered, her voice hoarse yet warm with gratitude as her weary eyes met Gabrielle’s.
“Come, let’s eat. It’s been so long since we shared a meal together,” Gabrielle said with a faint smile, wheeling the food trolley closer. For days now, she had made it her mission to visit daily, trying in every small way to breathe light into her friend’s darkness. She talked endlessly, about small things, about
