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Chloe bit her lip hard, the metallic tang of salt stinging her throat as she pulled the thin hospital blanket tighter around her shoulders. She felt a profound, hollow coldness radiating from her chest. "No, thank you," she whispered to the nurse, her voice trembling. "I can manage on my own."

The nurse gave her a lingering look of pity before adjusting the IV drip. "Keep an eye on the bag