GERALD

The morning sunlight filters through the hospital windows, casting shadows on the floor of the corridor where Rosaline and I had spent the night. Despite the discomfort of the chairs, I found solace in being by her side throughout the long night.

As Rosaline stirred beside me, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the turmoil she must be going through. The turmoil I was putting her through, and I still couldn't come out clean about it.

She woke with a start, her eyes bleary with sleep as she glanced around the unfamiliar surroundings. It took her a moment to remember where we were, and when...