Anabella stirred awake, her body feeling more rested than it had in days. She blinked against the light filtering through the hospital room and stretched slightly, feeling the stiffness in her muscles ease. She sighed softly, a sense of relief washing over her. Maybe now she could finally go home and put this ordeal behind her.
Clair, seated nearby, noticed the movement and was immediately by her side. "You're awake," she said with a warm smile, though her eyes betrayed a hint of worry. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine," Anabella replied, her voice firm despite the slight rasp from hours of disuse. "Better, actually. I think I can head home now."
Before she could even swing her legs over the side of the bed, Clair gently placed a hand on her shoulder to stop her. "You need to rest more," Clair insisted. "The doctor hasn't cleared you to leave yet."
