"Haa!"
Simon's eyes flew open. His whole body was drenched in cold sweat, and even his face felt hot.
He cupped his face with his large hands and rubbed it dry. His rapid heartbeat refused to slow down.
"...Damn it."
A low curse escaped his lips. But at that very moment, Simon's heart sank once again.
He had fallen asleep crouched beside Ellie's bed all night, watching over her, but now the bed was neatly made, and Ellie was nowhere to be seen.
"...E, Ellie..."
Like a young child with separation anxiety due to insufficient attachment, Simon called out Ellie's name with a crestfallen face.
Simon's face had turned into one of distress. He looked so pitiful, as if he might burst into tears at any moment.
"Ellie, no... Did you leave...?"
"What are you doing there?"
At that moment, the door to the bathroom attached to the hospital room opened, and Ellie walked out. Unlike the frantic Simon, Ellie's face was utterly calm.
"Ellie... Are you okay?"
