KAIA
I sit on the edge of my bed, wrapped in my favorite oversized sweater and soft leggings that I changed into after the bath. My hair is still damp, hanging loose around my shoulders, and my body still remembers the fever that nearly consumed me an hour ago. The sickness might be gone, but it's left me hollowed out and strangely vulnerable.
Vincent stands near the window, fully dressed again in his work clothes. He's rolled up his sleeves, and I can see the tension in his forearms as he grips the windowsill.
Mom appears in the doorway, her dark eyes assessing me with motherly concern. "How are you feeling, honey?"
"Better." My voice is still rough, but the fever has broken. "Much better."
She studies me for a long moment, then glances at Vincent. Something passes between them—an un
