The bright, white lights of the private hospital room flickered gently above Evelyn as her heavy eyelids slowly opened. The clean smell of medicine filled the quiet air, completely replacing the horrible stench of burning wood and black smoke.

Evelyn let out a small, quiet cough, her throat feeling dry and scratchy like sand. She sat up slowly in the soft hospital bed, looking around the large private room. The morning sun was just beginning to peek through the tall glass windows, casting a warm golden light across the polished floor.

Standing near the edge of her bed was Sarah, her studio manager. Sarah’s eyes were red from crying, but...