Chapter 44: A Family Lunch

The morning sun filtered gently through the tall windows, painting soft golden patterns across the floor. Warm light crept across Amelia’s face, brushing her eyelids until they fluttered open. 7:24 AM, the clock on the wall confirmed. She had fallen asleep—not by choice, but because her body had finally surrendered to the exhaustion gnawing at her all night. Her head throbbed slightly, and her eyes felt swollen and gritty. A soft knock interrupted the quiet. The door eased open to reveal Helen—the elderly nurse with kind eyes and silver-streaked hair pinned neatly back. She offered a polite smile. “Good morning, Amelia. I’m sorry if I woke you,” Helen said softly. “I just came to change Gray’s IV.” Amelia managed a weak nod, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s okay. Thank you.”