A small, fragile smile broke through Harley’s sorrow. “I guess it’s just us now.”

“Not just us,” Daniel replied. “You have more people who care about you than you realize. You’ve always been the strong one, even when you thought you were weak. And you’re going to get through this.”

As the day turned slowly into evening, Harley began to feel the weight of exhaustion pulling her back into sleep. But this time, it was different. The room felt warmer, the sterile chill chased away by her brother’s presence and the realization that she wasn’t alone.

“Rest now,” Daniel said softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from her forehead. “I’ll be here when you wake up.