ONCOMING PUP ALERT

The following morning, Ava's eyes fluttered open, her body wrapped in a warm, fuzzy haze. She tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over her, forcing her back onto the pillows. Her head spun, and her mouth felt parched, like the Sahara desert. Her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth, making speech a struggle.

She swung her legs over the side of the bed, her feet dangling in the air. The room wobbled, and she grasped the bedside table to steady herself.

Sebastian, already up and dressed, looked at her with concern etched on his face. "Ava, you okay?" he asked his voice soft and gentle.

Ava's voice was barely above a whisper. "I...I need water."

Sebastian rushed to the kitchen, returning with a cool glass filled to the brim. He handed it to her, his eyes never leaving hers.

Ava sipped the water, the liquid soothing her dry throat. She felt a sense of relief wash over her as the coolness spread through her body. As she drank, Sebastian sat beside her, his hand on her shoulder