Isadora's lashes fluttered, her eyes opening slowly to the familiar sight of Kane sitting beside her bed. He was leaning back in the chair, arms folded, watching her with quiet patience. When she stirred, his lips curved into a faint smile.
"You're awake," he said softly. "Or maybe you're pretending again."
Her voice was weak but playful. "Pretending takes less effort."
Kane leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Then I'll keep talking until you give up. You know I can go on for hours."
She smiled faintly. "That's what worries me."
He chuckled. "You should be worried. I've got endless nonsense stored up."
Her gaze softened, though fatigue weighed on her. "Like what?"
"Like how I'm convinced nurses secretly water down the juice so patients don't get addicted to it," he said, his tone mock‑serious.
Isadora laughed quietly, shaking her head. "That's absurd."
"Absurd keeps you entertained," Kane replied. "And entertained keeps you here with me."
