Just as her resolve to stay quiet began to crumble, the door creaked open. The sudden noise startled her, and her heart leaped in her chest.
She heard the familiar cadence of a doctor's footsteps approaching the bed, the sound a welcome interruption to the tension in the room.
"Good evening," the doctor said, his tone polite but professional. He glanced at the clipboard in his hands before looking toward Anabella's bed. "How is our patient doing?"
Clair and Noah straightened in their seats, momentarily distracted from their vigil. Anabella seized the opportunity. Slowly, she shifted under the covers, letting out a soft groan as if waking naturally.
"Oh," Clair exclaimed softly, her voice tinged with relief. "She's awake."
Anabella blinked her eyes open, squinting against the harsh overhead lights. She turned her head slightly, pretending to notice the doctor first before letting her gaze drift toward her friends. "What's going on?" she mumbled, her voice hoarse from disuse.
