Chapter 4: Whispers in the Dark
Julian slipped into the quiet room, the steady beep of the heart monitor filling the air. He sat on the small plastic chair by her bed and gently wrapped his large hand around her thin, pale fingers.
Olivia’s eyelids fluttered open. When her eyes adjusted and caught Julian’s face, a tear slid down her temple. ""Julian?"" she whispered, her voice barely a breath. ""Are you real, or am I dreaming?""
""I’m real, Liv. I’m right here,"" Julian sobbed, pressing her hand against his cheek. ""You didn't have to carry this alone. Arthur found me."" Olivia looked past him to see Arthur standing at the doorway, his eyes wide. She smiled weakly, reaching out to her son. ""He has your courage, Julian,"" she murmured before closing her eyes, drifting back into a deep, precarious sleep.
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