Julia sat quietly against the raised hospital bed, absentmindedly staring out the window. The afternoon sun filtered through the curtains, warming the room with a comforting glow. It had been a long time since she had felt this... peaceful.
A gentle knock sounded at the door before it slowly opened. The same young nurse who had first cared for her walked in carrying a wooden tray. Resting on it was a bowl filled with freshly sliced fruit, a glass of water, and a cup of warm herbal tea.
The sweet aroma immediately filled the room. The nurse smiled warmly as she placed the tray on the bedside table.
"You need to eat," she said gently. "Your body has lost a great deal of strength, and your pup needs every bit of nourishment you can give it."
At the mention of her pup, Julia instinctively
