CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIX - THE SILENT HALLWAY

One evening, after a particularly grueling day of chores, Anna returned to her room, her muscles aching and her spirit low. As she opened the door, she was surprised to find Elin inside, straightening the bedding. "Elin?" Anna said, glancing nervously down the hallway. "What are you doing here?" Elin smiled, though there was a hint of worry in her eyes. "I volunteered to tidy your room," she explained. "I thought... well, I thought you might appreciate a friendly face." Touched by the gesture, Anna closed the door behind her. "Thank you," she said softly. "You have no idea how much that means to me." Elin perched on the edge of the bed, patting the space beside her in invitation. As Anna sat down, Elin's expression grew serious. "How are you holding up?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Anna sighed, the weight of the past weeks settling heavily on her shoulders. "I'm trying," she said. "But it's hard. I feel like no matter what I do, it's never enough. And Freya..." Sh