Chapter 182

• Claire's pov
• The apartment felt strangely quiet when we returned from the hospital. Even with the weight of the last few days hanging over us, the silence felt heavier, deeper, like it knew something was ending. I helped Margeaux inside, keeping one arm around her shoulder as we entered. Her steps were slow, and though she tried to brush it off, I could tell she was still weak.
• "Go lie down," I said softly. "I’ll get you some warm tea."