Scarlett

The sun had barely risen when I felt Nina stir beside me. I hadn’t left her side all night, keeping vigil in the medical wing as she drifted between fitful sleep and silent tears. The morning light filtered through the windows, casting long shadows across the sterile room.

“You didn’t have to stay,” she whispered, her voice hoarse.

“I wanted to.” I squeezed her hand gently. “And I’m not going anywhere.”

A ghost of a smile crossed her face, but it didn’t reach ...