Barbara stood by the door, her heart racing as she debated whether to step inside. The familiar contours of the small room loomed larger with each passing second, reminding her of the complicated history she shared with the man lying within. On one hand, it felt selfish not to visit Richard—he had risked his life to protect her. On the other hand, she was his ex-fiancée, and checking on him felt like an unwelcome intrusion.
A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she gathered her courage. With a deep breath, she pushed the door open, the creaking hinge sounding like a groan of protest. As she stepped over the threshold, her heart clenched at the sight before her.
