The morning light streamed gently through the half-drawn curtains, painting soft lines on the wall as the nurse adjusted the IV drip connected to Katherine’s arm. Her face was pale but calm, eyes closed, lips slightly parted as she rested. The bruises on her temple were healing, but the emotional wounds—those ran deeper.
“You’re healing well,” the nurse said softly, scribbling on her clipboard. “You’re lucky to have made it out.”
Katherine stirred, eyes fluttering open at the nurse’s voice. “Is… everyone else okay?”
“They’re safe,” the nurse reassured her, placing a hand gently on her shoulder. “Jake stayed all night. He only stepped out an hour ago. You can rest, Katherine.”
Katherine gave a small nod, though her eyes drifted to the door. She hadn’t had a chance to process it all—the
