In the middle of the night, I suddenly felt dizzy and weak, attributing it to catching a cold from being out in the rain earlier. I was too exhausted to get up, so I endured until dawn.

A cool sensation touched my forehead, and I groggily opened my eyes to see Damian crouched beside my bed. He was gently placing a cloth on my forehead, murmuring familiar words that felt unreal: "Why are you still running a fever? Is this how you’ve been taking care of yourself when I’m not around?"

I preferred to believe Damian had returned rather than it being a dream. I watched him as tears flowed...