Chapter 13: Echoes of Choices

As Mariana's eyelids fluttered open, she was met with the stark sight of a white ceiling above her. The steady beep of a nearby machine pierced through the silence, adding to the disorientation she felt. A throbbing ache pulsed in her head, and the threat of nausea lurked just beneath the surface. Before she could fully process her surroundings, a soft voice broke through the quiet. "You're awake." Startled, Mariana turned her head slowly to find a man seated beside her bed. His gentle demeanour was evident in the kindness of his eyes and the warmth of his smile. He appeared to be in his late thirties, radiating a sense of calm reassurance. "Hi there," he greeted her warmly. "I'm Quam. I found you unconscious in the park earlier." Mariana's confusion deepened as she struggled to piece together the events that had led her to this moment. Grateful for Quam's presence, yet equally troubled by her lack of memory, she searched his face for answers, her mind racing with questions left un