The next morning, Avery woke up feeling unusually tired and nauseous. She groaned softly as she tried to sit up in bed, the room spinning slightly. Almost immediately, she felt a presence beside her. Shane, always the early riser, had sensed her discomfort and was already at her side.

“Avery, are you okay?” Shane’s voice was filled with concern as he gently helped her sit up, propping pillows behind her back.

Avery managed a weak smile. “I’m fine, just a bit queasy. I guess ...