ALONE IN THE SHADOWS

The death of her mother left Diana completely alone. At just twelve years old, she had lost the last person who loved and protected her. She was an orphan.

On the day of the funeral, she stood frozen before the grave, unable to accept this new reality. The faces around her blurred, their voices faded into the wind. All she could see was her mother's name engraved on the cold stone.

When everything was over, she had to return home—alone. No one was waiting for her, no one to tell her that everything would be okay.

---

The following days were a nightmare. The house felt empty, cold, as if all life had disappeared with her mother.

Diana stopped eating. She had no appetite, no desire for anything. She spent her days curled up in bed, staring at the ceiling, waiting for a miracle that would never come.

Her body began to weaken. She felt heavy, exhausted, each movement became a struggle. Then the fever came.

At first, it was just an uncomfortable warmth, a constant fatigue. But soon, her condition worsened. She shivered, her head ached, and she trembled under the blankets. She knew she was sick, but there was no one to take care of her.

She stopped leaving her bed, barely managing to drink a little water. Her body grew thinner day by day. She no longer had the strength to cry, the strength to hope.

---

Two weeks later

Dylan was worried. He hadn't heard from Diana since the funeral. He had sent messages, passed by her house several times, but she never answered. Something wasn't right.

That morning, he decided to check on her himself.

He knocked on the door.

— Diana? he called.

No answer.

He knocked again, louder this time. Still nothing.

A chill of anxiety ran through him. He hesitated, then slowly pushed the door open. To his surprise, it was unlocked.

— Diana? Are you there?

Silence.

He stepped cautiously inside. The house was dark, the curtains drawn, the air heavy. The living room was a mess, unusual for Diana.

His heart pounded as he reached her bedroom. He pushed the door open—and what he saw made his breath catch.

Diana was lying on the floor, motionless. Her body was thin—too thin. Her face was pale, her lips dry and cracked.

— Diana!

He rushed to her side and placed a hand on her forehead. She was burning with fever.

— Diana, it's me, Dylan. Can you hear me?

She barely opened her eyes. Her lips moved slightly, but no sound came out. She was too weak.

Panic surged through Dylan. He couldn't leave her like this.

Without hesitation, he carefully lifted her in his arms. She was so light, it felt like carrying a feather.

— Hold on, Diana. I'm taking you to the hospital.

He ran out of the house, holding her close, praying it wasn't too late.

---

A Few Hours Later – Hospital

Dylan paced nervously in the hallway. The doctors had taken Diana in as soon as they arrived. She had been put on an IV, and they were giving her medication to lower her fever.

After what felt like an eternity, a doctor approached him.

— She was in critical condition when she arrived, but she's in good hands now. You brought her just in time.

Dylan felt his chest loosen slightly.

— Will she be okay?

— She's very weak. Her body suffered from two weeks without proper food or care. But if she rests and follows treatment, she can recover.

Dylan let out a breath of relief.

— Thank you, doctor.

— You can see her now, but don't tire her out too much.

Dylan nodded and walked toward Diana's hospital room.

She was lying in bed, an IV attached to her arm. Her face was still pale, but her breathing was steadier.

He sat beside her and took her hand.

After a moment, Diana's eyes fluttered open.

— Dylan…? she whispered weakly.

— Yeah, it's me.

She blinked, as if struggling to understand where she was.

— Where… where am I?

— At the hospital. You were sick, Diana. You were alone… Why didn't you call me?

A faint, sad smile appeared on her face.

— I… I didn't have the strength…

Dylan's heart clenched. He gently squeezed her hand.

— Don't ever do that again, okay? I'm here. I'll always be here.

Diana looked at him, and for the first time in weeks, a tear slipped down her cheek.

She wasn't alone anymore.

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