16

16

Emma drifted through an extended reverie. In this fantasy, her brain tumor was nonexistent. She was with Nathan, fulfilling their shared aspirations. Nathan's career flourished, and they had wed. Their love ran deep, and he treasured her like a rare gem...

"Have you come to?"

Dr. Alex Foster, donning a lab coat and spectacles, was seated close by with a book in hand. He set it down and turned his attention to Emma lying in the hospital bed.

"What transpired? Who attempted to harm you?"

Emma's hands balled into tight fists. The pleasant vision had vanished, leaving her to face the harsh truth once more. Observing her reticence, Alex let out a quiet exhalation.

"Do you realize how near you came to perishing? If I hadn't been in this village for a charity clinic, and if the locals hadn't rescued you from the water, you wouldn't be here now!"

Emma massaged her temples, her head throbbing intensely.

"Why did your state deteriorate so rapidly..."