, as if it feared distu

moment, panic flickered-an old reflex-but it faded when she became aware of Elias beside her. He lay awa

tly, unsure if sh

e turned t

ing," he s

thought etched by years of reflection rather than str

art," he replied. "

tion caught

et of the room. The city hummed faintly

patient," Elias said after

no

r, Lina, was sick for three years. Every day felt like borrowed t

d, heart achi

ied, I realized something-I didn't regret loving her f

led in Am

e said, meeting her gaze, "I don't see so

tightened

she didn't feel as

holding it firmly. This