Chapter 73 The Ghosts That Linger

• The dim glow of the bedside lamp flickered against the hospital room’s walls, casting elongated shadows that seemed to echo the turmoil in Mariana’s mind. She sat stiffly on the edge of the bed, fingers clutching the blanket like an anchor. Outside the window, the city pulsed with life, cars honking, neon signs blinking, oblivious to the war raging inside her.
• Camila leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching Mariana with sharp but patient eyes. "You’re thinking about running again." Her voice wasn’t accusatory. It was a statement, one Mariana couldn't deny.
• Mariana exhaled, barely glancing up. "I almost died, Camila." Her voice cracked slightly. "I can’t make him live through that again. If I leave, at least he'll be safe."