Eliana blinked, causing the tears in her eyes to trail down her face. Val reached out, wiping them away with a gentle touch.
"Now, you have me in your life, Eliana," he reassured her. "I'll take care of you every time you get sick. You have my word." His voice filled the room, a promise etched in every word.
"I believe you," Eliana said.
"What time is it?" Eliana asked after a few moments.
"It's close to 8," Val answered.
"I need to... I need to go to work..." Eliana tried to get up, her words coming out in bits and pieces as her body fought against her will.