Annie woke slowly, like she was swimming up from deep water.At first, there was only sound. A steady beeping. Soft murmurs. The low hum of machines. Her body felt heavy, wrapped in warmth and stiffness, like it didn’t quite belong to her yet.She tried to move her hand.Pain flared sharp, and she gasped softly.“Annie".Her eyelids fluttered open.White ceiling. Pale lights. The faint smell of disinfectant.Hospital.Memory rushed in all at once too fast, too much. The door. The gun. Tasha screaming. Darkness.Her breath hitched.“Hey, hey,” Ethan said quickly, his voice close now, “It’s okay. You’re safe. You’re awake.”She turned her head slightly.Ethan was right there, sitting beside her bed, his suit jacket gone, shirt sleeves rolled up, dark circles under his eyes like he hadn’t slept in days. One of his hands held hers carefully.On the other side of the bed, Tasha sat frozen, eyes red and swollen, her hand pressed over her mouth.“Oh my God,” Tasha whispered. “Annie… you’re a
Last Updated : 2026-01-11 Read more