****
A couple of hours later.
I woke up and stretched, feeling the stiffness of sleep fade away. Seeing Eleanor still awake, I walked over to her.
I'd leveled up, and I would check out my rewards for it later.
"Eleanor, is everything okay?" I asked gently.
She looked up, sadness in her eyes. "I couldn't sleep," she said softly.
Sitting beside her, I put my arm around her. "Is it about your illness?" I asked.
She nodded, looking troubled. "I can't stop thinking about it," she admitted.
I squeezed her hand. "You're not alone, Eleanor. I'm here for you," I reassured her.
She smiled gratefully, leaning into my embrace. "Thank you, Damon," she whispered.
Sitting together in the quiet morning, I knew we'd face whatever came our way, side by side.
