Warmth pressed against Katherine's cheek. Not the kind that came from sunlight or comfort—but the lingering, restless heat of her daughter's skin. Her eyelids fluttered open, a dull ache settling in her neck and shoulders from having fallen asleep in a sitting position all night.
Her gaze adjusted to the dim morning light filtering through the curtains. For a moment, her surroundings felt blurry, as if caught between the remnants of a dream and reality.
The dream...
It was so vivid. A memory, really. From years ago—when the twins were just babies, fragile and new to the world. Both had gotten sick for the first time. She'd panicked. She could still remember the way her hands trembled, her chest tightening, the helplessness clawing at her like a wild animal.
But Felix had been there. He wasn't their father, but he stood by her as though he was. And somehow... that had made all the difference. The fear back then didn't feel quite as paralyzing because she wasn't facing it alone.
