But that night, something changed.

The hospital was unusually silent after a power outage forced several wings into emergency protocol. Emily stayed later than scheduled to ensure Daniel’s machines stabilized. Shadows stretched across the room, and the small glow from the monitor cast a pale light on his still face.

She had never allowed herself to look at him for too long. It felt too intimate, too personal. But tonight, the sight of him—so strong yet so vulnerable—pulled at something deep inside her.

“You’re fighting so hard,” she whispered, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. “I just… I hope you come back.”