Chapter 70

Nathaniel

A week has passed, and the days blend together in a hazy rhythm of recovery and fragmented memories slowly resurfacing. Every morning, I wake up feeling a little more like myself, the pieces of my past clicking back into place. The garden has become my sanctuary, a quiet place where I sit and try to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions and thoughts. The sun warms my skin, and the gentle rustling of leaves soothes me, but it’s not enough to chase away the growing dread in my chest.

As I sit among the flowers, I see Anna approaching from the house. Her steps are measured, her expression a mask of concern that I’ve grown all too familiar with. But I know better now. Her concern is a facade, a carefully constructed lie to keep me in her web. As she draws closer, I steel myself for the conversation I’ve been rehearsing in my mind.

“How are you feeling today?” she asks, her voice soft, almost caring.

I look at her, my eyes steady. “Better than you’d want,” I reply, letting the