Chapter 1: The Door to Room 312

Rachel didnât answer right away.
Emilyâs questionââCan you take me home?ââhung in the sterile air like something fragile that might shatter if touched too quickly.
Rachel swallowed hard, forcing her voice to stay steady.
âYeah,â she whispered, brushing a strand of messy hair from Emilyâs face. âYeah, I can.â
But even as she said it, her eyes flicked toward Room 312.
The door was slightly ajar.
A shadow moved inside.
The nurse stepped closer, lowering her voice. âMaâam⊠is everything okay here?â
Rachel stood slowly, shielding Emily with her body without making it obvious. âI think⊠I need to speak to someone in charge.â
The nurseâs expression tightenedâshe had seen the bruises too. âCome with me,â she said gently. âBring her.â
Emily hesitated before sliding off the cold metal chair. Her small hand found Rachelâs sleeve and held on tightly, like letting go would mean disappearing.
As they walked down the corridor, the fluorescent lights buzzed overhead. Behind themâ
Room 312âs door creaked open wider.
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Rachel didnât look back.
But she felt it.