The fluorescent lights hummed quietly in the background as Laura lay on the stark white hospital bed, her body propped up by a mound of pillows.
The rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor provided an odd sense of comfort, a reminder that she was alive—that despite everything, she was still here.
She looked out the window, her eyes tracing the slow movement of clouds drifting across the sky, each one as aimless and lost as she felt.
Sarah sat by her side, her expression a mixture of worry and relief. She had been here every day, keeping vigil, making sure Laura was never alone. Even now, she was holding Laura’s hand, her thumb absentmindedly tracing circles on her palm.
"How are you feeling today?" Sarah asked, her voice soft, almost hesitant.
Laura turned her gaze from the window to
