Inside the room, the air felt thick with unspoken pain and fragile hope. The heart monitor continued its steady rhythm, a quiet anchor in the silence.
Anna slowly sat back down beside the bed, her movements careful and deliberate. Neither of them spoke for several long moments. The weight of everything that had happened hung between them like a heavy curtain.
Then Anna reached forward and gently tucked a loose strand of Raya's hair behind her ear, her touch light and full of tenderness.
"You scared me," Anna said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Raya's eyes immediately filled with fresh tears, her grey gaze clouded with regret. "I'm… sorry."
Anna shook her head gently, squeezing Raya's hand. "No. You don't have to say anything yet."
"But…" Raya started, her voice weak and trembling.
"I said no, baby," Anna replied, her tone soft, comforting, and patient, like a sister refusing to let her sibling drown alone. "I know you're hurting. I can see it in your eyes."
