The Moment He Found Me

(Julia — First-Person POV)

I barely slept.The hospital chair was stiff, my back aching, but I refused to leave my father's side. His breathing was shallow, his skin cold, and every second felt like sand slipping through my fingers.

Around dawn, I stepped out to get some water.Just five minutes.Just to breathe.

My phone buzzed, but I ignored it.I wasn't ready to face anyone.Not Alan.Not Kai.Not the world.

When I pushed the vending machine button, my reflection looked terrible—swollen eyes, messy