Chloe’s POV I dressed carefully, something simple and loose that wouldn’t draw attention. My arm still ached faintly beneath the bandage, but I ignored it. Pain had become background noise in my life.Before leaving, I glanced once more at Drake. He was sitting up now, watching me with that unreadable expression again.“Call me when you’re done,” he said.“I will,” I replied, though I wasn’t sure if I meant it.I stepped out into the morning air and inhaled deeply. The day felt ordinary, almost insulting in its normalcy.I visited Hilda first.The hospital smelled the same as always. Clean, sterile, unforgiving. I sat beside her bed and held her hand gently, careful not to let my sleeve slide up and reveal anything.“You have to wake up soon,” I whispered. “I’m fighting too many battles alone.”Her face remained still. The machines continued their steady rhythm.After a while, I leaned back in the chair and placed a hand over my stomach. My mind was already elsewhere, already plannin
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