CHAPTER 31

CASEY'S POV

I woke up feeling different this time. The pain was still there, but it was dull and more manageable.

I could actually move without wanting to fall.

I opened my eyes and saw sunlight streaming through the cracks in the wooden walls. It looked brighter than before, warmer.

Eric was sitting in his usual chair beside the bed, but this time he was awake, staring out the window with a distant look in his eyes.

"Eric?" I called softly.

His head turned immediately, and relief flooded his face. "Casey. "You're awake," he said with a smile plastered on his face as he stared at me.

"Yes,...