Maren's eyelids fluttered open, revealing a haze of confusion. She expected Astrid's concerned face to greet her, but instead, her assistant, Hannette, sat beside her.
"Oh, thank goodness you're finally awake!" Hannette exclaimed, relief washing over her features. "What were you thinking? You know how worried everyone is?"
Maren's voice cracked as she spoke. "Everyone?"
Hannette nodded vigorously. "Yes, everyone! I mean, Ma'am Astrid and I. We've been frantic with worry."
Maren's gaze lingered on Hannette before shifting to the hospital room surroundings.
"At least give me some water," Maren requested, her voice laced with desperation.
Hannette sighed, stretching out a bottle of water. "Don't do that again, okay?"
Maren forced herself to sit up, wincing at the lingering pain. She gulped down the water, savoring the refreshing liquid.
Only after satisfying her thirst did Maren respond to Hannette. "Has Astrid gone home?"
