The morning air smelled like lilies and antiseptic.
Grace adjusted the bouquet of fresh flowers on Meghan’s windowsill, her fingers carefully arranging each petal like a prayer. Behind her, the room was warm with the quiet hum of machines and the rustle of sheets as Meghan stirred in the hospital bed, propped up by a triangle of pillows.
It had been four days since she woke up.
Four days of fragile breaths, whispered conversations, and the gentle sound of hope rebuilding itself.
Grace turned, catching Meghan's eyes. They were brighter today, less sunken, their spark returning slowly.
"You’ve got the whole ward talking," Grace teased gently. "Apparently, you’re a miracle."
Meghan offered a ghost of a smile. "Damn right I am."
Grace walked over and sat beside her, taking her hand. "Ev
