It was a quiet, late night at the hospital, and the atmosphere around Ella’s ward was unusually calm. The guards stationed by her door stretched and exchanged glances, sensing the peace that settled over the building like a blanket. The muted hum of hospital lights and the faint echo of distant voices in the hall only deepened the stillness.

“I think we’re finally getting a break tonight,” murmured Jake, one of the younger guards. He rolled his shoulders, yawning as he leaned against ...