Zoe POV

James hesitates for a moment, clearly uncertain about whether this is a good idea, but eventually he nods in reluctant agreement and accompanies me back to Lisa's room for a second attempt at communication.

This time I come prepared—I've brought a medical face mask that covers the lower half of my face, leaving only my eyes visible, and I approach Lisa's bedside slowly and carefully to see how she reacts.

Lisa's response is completely ...