Chapter 40 Beneath the Surface

Eleanor felt her heart skip a beat as the words sank in. She suddenly sat up, her hands instinctively reaching for her head in an attempt to manage the overwhelming flood of thoughts and emotions. The seriousness of the situation appeared to overwhelm her, leaving her momentarily unable to speak. In his desperation for Eleanor's attention, Lucas gently gripped her arms and shook her, hoping to bring her back to the present moment. "Eleanor!" He implored, "What happened?" His eyes searched hers, seeking an explanation. Eleanor's gaze remained fixed on a point beyond her immediate reality, rendering her unresponsive. The inner turmoil she experienced frightened her, making her oblivious to the world around her. Lucas persisted, feeling his concern deepen into confusion. "Please say something," he requested, his voice filled with urgency. Eleanor let out a deep sigh, keeping her eyes averted from Lucas. "Finished," she whispered, her voice barely audible amidst the flurry of thoughts