#Chapter27: “Lucy.”

Richard's POV I’ve been sitting at Cara’s bedside for hours, trading watch with Ruby. She takes a shift watching Cara while I take care of my actual patients at the hospital, then we switch, and she sees patients while I watch Cara. It leaves little time for much else, like sleeping. But Cara is worth it. Family is worth it. Especially to me... My heart is filled with guilt for her. It makes me pain. Suddenly, I see movement under the blanket at Cara’s feet. It’s probably just a hallucination. I’m so sleep - deprived, I’m not sure I can trust myself. There it goes again, that little flicker of movement. No, there’s no way. Then it happens again. And again. Cara’s wiggling her toes! ...She’s awake! A soft groan escapes her mouth. Her lips are dry and cracked, they almost look grey. I shush her, rubbing her arms. “Shhh… shh… don’t rush it. Take your time.” I try to be as soothing as I can, knowing that she’ll probably be surprised to see me here, of all