The rain finally stopped.
Morning light filtered faintly through the half-drawn hospital curtains, bringing a long-awaited calm.
Palin slowly opened her eyes and saw Manida still sitting beside the bed.
Her glasses were fogged; she clearly hadn't slept all night.
"You haven't slept yet?" Palin's voice was weak but carried a trace of gentle reproach.
Manida shook her head and tucked the blanket up for her.
"I was afraid you'd wake up and not see me."
Palin looked at her, a deep ache tightening in her chest.
Once, they had stood on opposite sides, proud and unyielding.
Now, between life and death, they finally saw each other's truest selves.
"You know," Palin said softly, each word cutting to the bone,
"I'm not afraid of dying. What I'm afraid of is… if I'm gone, you'll be left all alone."
Manida's heart trembled violently. She leaned down and kissed Palin's forehead tenderly.
"Don't say things like that. You won't go anywhere. As long as I'm here, you'll be fine."
Their fingers intertwined tightly, the air filled with an unspoken resolve.
A few days later, Palin's condition improved enough for her to walk a little, though the doctor still restricted her movements.
During this time, Manida quietly left the hospital.
She went to meet the detective in charge of the case.
"Professor Manida, we've found something new."
The detective handed her a folder, speaking in a low voice.
"The vehicle that hit her was stolen. Two hours before the accident, someone deliberately erased the nearby surveillance footage. Whoever did this is no amateur."
Manida flipped through the file, her brows knitting tightly.
Her gaze stopped on a blurry image from a distant camera—a dark figure standing near the scene, as if waiting.
"Any idea who it is?"
"Not yet," the detective shook his head.
"But we suspect it's related to someone inside your university. This crash might be connected to a recent competition for research funding."
Manida's breath caught, her eyes flashing sharply behind her glasses.
She knew all too well—both she and Palin had made enemies during that competition.
"Professor, I suggest you keep a close watch on Ms. Palin," the detective warned.
"If the culprit struck once, they might strike again."
That night, Manida returned to the hospital. Her expression was heavy, and Palin noticed immediately.
"You found something, didn't you?" she asked softly.
After a pause, Manida told her everything.
Palin listened in silence, then gave a cold, bitter smile.
"I knew it. They'd never let it go so easily."
"Lin, what matters now is your recovery."
Manida gripped her hand tightly. "Let me handle the rest."
"But this happened because of me. You expect me to just sit and watch?"
Palin's gaze sharpened with her usual stubbornness.
Their eyes met, clashing in the dim light.
At last, Manida sighed, raising a hand to gently stroke her face.
"Fine. Then we'll face it together. But promise me—don't overdo it."
Palin stared at her for a long time before nodding.
"I promise. But you have to promise me too—no matter what happens, don't give up."
The night deepened. The curtain fluttered in the wind, carrying a chill into the room.
Both women knew—they were stepping closer to a truth far darker than they imagined.