Nora The steady beeping of the heart monitor echoed faintly in my ears as I kept my eyes closed, my breathing slow and even, careful not to give myself away. The hospital room smelled sterile and cold, the faint scent of antiseptic mixing with the metallic taste of humiliation still lingering at the back of my throat. I heard Matthew’s voice beside me, tight with worry. “Stay with her, Riley. I have to take this call.” I couldn’t see Riley’s face, but I sensed her nod because a second later, I heard Matthew’s footsteps retreating across the floor, the door opening and closing softly behind him. I didn’t open my eyes immediately. I waited. Silence settled in the room, before Riley’s voice broke it, low, tired, and stripped of its usual composure. “You can open your eyes now, Nora.” Slowly, I opened them and stared at the white ceiling for a moment before turning my head. As expected, only Riley stood there. I let out a quiet sigh and lifted my hand to touch my aching head. My
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