VALERIE
Morning arrived quietly, with the sunlight slipping through the curtains. My eyes fluttered open, taking in the strange room around me. The sterile smell, the soft hum of an air vent, and the weight in my limbs all told me I wasn’t at home. I shifted slightly, trying to sit up, but a gentle hand pressed against my shoulder.
“You shouldn’t move. At least not yet.”
I turned my head, startled, and found Evans sitting beside me. His calm presence was like a balm that immediately soothed my. nerves. His brown eyes studied me, and I could see the worried expression that lingered on in his eyes.
“Evans?” I croaked. My throat felt dry and scratchy, as though I hadn’t spoken in days.
He smiled faintly, the corners of his lips curving up in relief. “Yeah, it’s me. Don’t worry; you’re
