Nathan's POV
I opened my eyes, and for a moment, I thought I'd finally gone mad. She was there. My Hailee. Her red hair spilled like a river of fire across the white sheets, soft spirals glowing faintly in the dim light. Her face was turned toward me, peaceful, calm—as if she had just woken up from sleep. My breath caught, my chest burning. I didn't dare move, didn't dare blink. If I did, maybe she'd vanish like all the other nights.
"Hailee…" My voice cracked on her name. "Is this real?"
Her lashes fluttered as she looked at me. A small smile curved her lips, bittersweet, almost sad. "It is whatever you want it to be."
The words twisted in my chest. I let out a shaky breath, my lips pulling into a bitter smile. "So… it's a dream again."
My hand curled into the sheets. Gods, how many nights had I begged for this? How many nights had I prayed she would appear before me like this? And yet, it was never enough.
