The first thing I felt was warmth. A hand curled around mine, steady and immovable.

“Stay with me,” a low voice said near my ear. “Please.”

I opened my eyes slowly. The ceiling was white, the smell of cleaning sharp. A hospital. His face came into focus, pale and sleepless.

“You’re awake,” he breathed out like a prayer. “Thank God.”

“What… happened?” My voice was dry.

“You fainted,” he said. “You scared me.”

“I told you I just needed air.”

...