Margaret’s POVWhen I woke up, the hospital room was unnaturally quiet.The curtains were fully drawn, shutting out the outside world. The lights were dim, casting long shadows that made the room feel smaller and heavier than it should have been. There were only two people inside. A woman sat at the edge of my bed, her eyes red and swollen. It was clear she had been crying for a long time, yet she seemed determined not to let herself break down again. A man stood a few steps away, pacing back and forth in silence, his movements tense, as if he were forcing his anger to stay contained.The effects of the medication had not completely worn off. My thoughts moved slowly, sluggish and unfocused, as though my mind had not yet caught up with my body.When I finally opened my eyes, the woman noticed at once. She reached for my hand without hesitation and held it tightly, as if she were afraid that if she let go, I might slip away again.“Margaret, don’t be afraid,” she said softly.Her voi
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