Chapter 143: Echoes of the Dream

Thelma Zane’s POV The punishment was inevitable. Aldrich and I had been caught, and we were both reprimanded for defying the rules. His visits were officially forbidden until I fully recovered. Though disappointed, I understood the necessity. My body needed rest, but my heart ached for his presence. The following four days felt like an eternity—endless hours of boredom confined to my room, counting down the moments until I could stand on my own two feet again. Yet, there was a silver lining amidst the monotony: news arrived that Dorothy had awakened. The moment I heard it, I didn’t wait. I didn’t even think. I burst out of the room in my pajamas, the chill of the hallway forgotten in my excitement. “Thelma!” Kara’s voice echoed behind me, hurried footsteps following. She caught up to me just as I reached the infirmary, her hands full with a sweater and coat. “Please, take care of yourself,” she chided gently, draping the sweater over my shoulders. “At least think about