14
~Lisa's POV
"You're still breathing," Milo said, crouching beside me.
I let out a soft laugh, though it was weak. "Barely."
He didn't touch me, but just being there, just having someone who didn't look at me like I was dirt, meant everything.
"Thank you," I whispered, trying not to cry again. "Thank you for staying."
Milo looked at me for a long moment, his eyes kind but tired. "You don't need to thank me. You don't deserve the way they're treating you, Lisa. None of it."
My throat tightened. I couldn't even reply.
"You're stronger than you think," he added quietly. "I know it doesn't feel like it now. But one day… you'll get through this. Just hold on."
His words felt like a soft cloth over an open wound. Not a cure, but a comfort. I nodded slowly.
"Thank you," I said again, my voice shaking.
He stood, brushing off his trousers. "I have to go now. Duty calls. But I'll come back later to check on you, alright?"
