Chapter165 Waking Light

Katelyn’s POV Even after the Smith case was finally closed, I barely had time to breathe before life changed again. I was still at the hospital that afternoon, checking in on Rachel like I always did after work, when everything shifted in an instant. Rachel, my best friend, had woken up. It didn’t seem real at first. For a long moment, I could hardly move. I just stood there by the hospital bed. Rachel’s eyes fluttered open, dark and confused, glancing around the unfamiliar room. I stared, stunned, as her gaze finally found mine. I didn’t trust my voice, but when she tried to sit up, I snapped into motion, rushing to her side. “Rachel?” I whispered, then, louder, “Rachel! You’re awake!” My voice trembled. I didn’t even care if anyone in the hallway heard. For a second, she just stared at me, like she couldn’t quite place my face. Then, in a hoarse, sleepy voice, she said, “Katelyn…?” I felt the shock and joy crash over me at once. I reached for her hand, squeezing it tightly, feeling h