Night fell. The dim lights in Elena's hospital room glowed softly. The atmosphere was calm, with only the sound of the monitor's beeps and Elena's slow breathing audible. Nathan sat by the bedside, his eyes fixed unblinkingly on his wife's sleeping face.

Nathan's hand held Elena's warm hand, though it was slightly weak.

“Elena, I’m always here,” Nathan whispered softly, as usual.

And suddenly, Elena’s fingers began to move again.

Nathan sat up straight. “Elena? Honey?”

His fingers gripped Elena’s hand tighter. Then, Elena’s eyelids slowly opened. Her eyes looked weary, but they were clearly open.

“El... can you hear me?”

Elena stared at the ceiling, her eyes blinking a...