The morning light poured softly through the thin white curtains of the hospital room. The air smelled faintly of antiseptic and flowers. Machines beeped quietly beside the bed, steady and calm.
Elena sat up slowly, her hands resting on the blanket. The bruises had faded a little, but the memory of the dirt, the darkness, and the weight of the soil over her body still pressed against her chest. Every breath reminded her she was alive — barely.
The nurse folded a set of papers and smiled. “You’re clear to go home today, Miss Elena. The doctor says you just need rest. No stress, no long walks, no arguments.”
Elena managed a faint smile. “I’ll try.”
The nurse chuckled softly. “Good luck with that. The man waiting outside looks like he’s been worrying for a week straight.”
Elena’s eyes sof
