George's POV

The chair was uncomfortable, and the small cushion did nothing to help my back pain. I kept staring at Wendy. The way her chest moved up and down was the only sign that she was still fighting for life. Hours turned into night, and each tick of the clock felt like a blow to my heart. Sleep was long gone, as my worry kept me stuck here, her bedside my chosen prison. I wouldn't leave her. Not now. Not ever.

As dawn approached, tiredness finally broke through my determination. My head lowered, my eyes felt heavy, until a soft creak jolted me back from the edge of sleep....