The sterile white walls of the hospital room seemed to close in on Areum, the antiseptic scent a constant reminder of her vulnerability. Her body ached, a symphony of bruises and tender wounds, and her mind was a whirlwind of anger and despair. She lay in the bed, her gaze fixed on the ceiling, replaying the attack, the betrayal, the loss.
The door to her room opened, and Areum's eyes snapped towards the entrance. Ma-ri stood there, her expression a mask of concern, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of curiosity and something else, something Areum could not quite decipher.
"What are you doing here?" Areum demanded, her voice hoarse and strained.
Ma-ri stepped into the room, her movements slow and deliberate. "I came to see how you were doing," she said, her voice soft and sympathetic. "I know Flynn is busy, so I came in his stead."