CLAIRE

I woke up to sunlight streaming through the hospital room window and my neck screaming in pain, the chair I'd slept in was definitely not meant for overnight stays.

Julian was already awake, staring at the ceiling with unfocused eyes. "Morning," I said, my voice rough with sleep.

He turned his head slightly. "Morning," he replied. "You stayed all night?"

"Of course I did," I said, standing and stretching carefully. "How do you feel?"

"Physically? Better," Julian admitted. "Everything else? Not great."

I walked over and took his hand. "The doctor will probably discharge you this morning," I said.

"Good," Julian replied. "I need to get out of here."...