Sadie’s POV
The hospital smelled the same as it had months ago—the faint antiseptic, the soft hum of machines, the low murmur of nurses moving from room to room. But this time, I didn’t feel the weight of panic pressing down on me. Not fully. Liam’s hand was wrapped around mine, firm and reassuring, and for the first time since my sister had fallen ill, I felt like we could face this together.
We walked slowly down the sterile corridor, the clicking of Liam’s polished shoes echoing softly. I tried to focus on the sound of his voice, the warmth of his hand against mine, the reassurance in his presence. My heart still raced, but the fear—the paralyzing, suffocating fear that had gripped me for months—was beginning to loosen its hold.
“She’s awake,” Liam whispered, his eyes scanning the ro
