~ANNA’S BEDROOM~

Anna lay still on her bed, Vincenzo’s words replaying in her mind over and over. Each one pressed deeper into her chest, leaving her with a heavy ache she couldn’t shake off.

The room was quiet except for the soft sound of footsteps as the doctor moved closer to her bedside.

He looked at her with calm eyes and said gently, “I’ll give you some medicine to take. It will help you feel better.”

Anna gave a small nod, her face blank and tired.

The doctor turned to ...