Kafziel’s eyes fluttered beneath closed lids.
The hospital room around him faded.
The fluorescent lights, the hum of monitors, the smell of antiseptic—all of it disappeared.
In its place was sunlight, dappled through tall trees, warm and soft.
He was smaller here. Younger.
The memories felt closer than reality, more vivid than the sterile hospital walls.
He was running across a grassy field, bare feet brushing the cool earth.
Laughter trailed behind him, high-pitched and joyful, curling through the air like smoke.
Aniela was there.
She was running too, her hair bouncing with each step, eyes sparkling, full of energy.
But she wasn’t alone.
A boy ran beside her, mysterious, unknown, but familiar in some way.
Tag your it! someone shouted.
The echo of laughter drifted through the
