*Darren*

That night, I sank into a dream I hadn’t touched in years. It was like drifting backward through time, straight to that night, the one where my stomach twisted with that sharp, familiar pain. Charline had been there. Her touch graced my cheek, and her eyes filled with a gentle worry I hadn’t deserved.

“Just rest, Darren,” she whispered, her voice so close like she was right there beside me. “You’re always pushing yourself too far.” Her fingers brushed ...