Ethea slept more peacefully than she had in over a week.
For the first time since the incident, the heavy, suffocating weight in her chest dissolved entirely, replaced by a deep, uninterrupted warmth.
She even had a good dream.
She walked through a quiet, endless expanse of soft light, surrounded by a soothing presence that made her feel completely safe.
As the morning light began to filter through the thin hospital curtains, Ethea slowly drifted back to consciousness.
"..."
She blinked her eyes a few times, her long eyelashes fluttering against her cheeks as she adjusted to the dim, white surroundings. The sterile scent of the room brought her back to reality, but the usual dread that accompanied it was entirely missing.
Her eyes landed on the culprit.
'...'
