Chapter 182

Silvia I pushed myself up from the edge of the hospital bed, every muscle protesting. This weakness felt foreign, like my body wasn't my own. Sherman held my hand as I struggled to stand, my knees wobbling. He guided me toward the physical therapy equipment in the corner, moving with a carefulness that felt fragile, like I might break. "Easy," he murmured, his grip firm but gentle. It had been a week since I'd opened my eyes. Seven days that felt both endless and like a blur. The doctors kept using words like "miraculous recovery" and "beating the odds." I'd smile and nod, but inside, I felt hollow. A miracle for me, maybe. But the cost of that miracle was written all over Sherman 's face. I stole a glance at him as we shuffled forward. His blue eyes were bloodshot, dark circles like bruises beneath them. The exhaustion carved into his face told me everything he wouldn't say. He hadn't slept properly since the shooting. "You look terrible," I said softly. "Thanks," he replied, the smil