Public Fight

Abby stood outside the hospital's front entrance, the fresh air hitting her face for the first time in days. She should have felt relief—relief to be out of that sterile place, away from the constant beeping of monitors, away from the nurses' concerned stares. But instead, there was only an overwhelming sense of dread. The world felt too large, too loud, too suffocating.

Remo stood next to her, his hand resting gently on the small of her back, guiding her toward the car. But his touch, which once brought her comfort, now only fueled her anxiety. His closeness, his concern—it all felt like a mask, something fake. The whispers in her mind had become louder, more insistent. He's hiding something. He knows. He's watching you.

"Are you okay?" Remo's voice cut through her thoughts, his eyes filled with concern as he glanced down at her.

She forced a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I'm fine, just... glad to be out of there."