She looked at me like she already understood what I was about to ask.
I tried to speak, but my throat felt like sandpaper.
I coughed weakly, barely able to get the words out.
She said nothing, but reached for a small cup sitting on the bedside table and handed it to me without hesitation.
Water.
I stared at it for a second, unsure.
She raised an eyebrow, clearly waiting.
Eventually, I took it. Sipped slowly. My throat burned at first, but then the coolness kicked in and I drank it all in one go.
My voice came back in pieces. “Where… where is this?”
Her answer was quick, matter-of-fact.
“Hospital.”
I frowned. That wasn’t what I meant.
“No, I mean… this entire place. What pack is this?”
She paused, mid-stir, clearly debating how much to say.
Finally, she looked up and met my ga
