When I recalled what I'd said earlier, my breath caught in my throat. I wanted to explain, maybe apologize, but Hayden, still kneeling beside the couch, stood up before I could say anything. "Dinner's ready. Come eat."As he pulled his hand away, I realized how tightly I'd been gripping him. In my dream, I thought I was holding onto my parents—but it had been Hayden all along. And I'd cursed him, thinking he was the one getting in the way.Awkwardly, I let go. His arm lifted, revealing deep red marks from where I'd squeezed too hard.Without a word, he turned and walked off. I slowly sat up, feeling sticky and uncomfortable. I'd definitely broken a sweat—probably a sign the fever had finally passed."Here, put this on. Don't catch another cold," Hayden said, coming back with a blanket.I reached out to grab it, but my grip was still weak, and I almost dropped it. He ended up draping it over me himself, then handed me a warm, damp cloth to wipe my hands.For a moment, I felt like
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