The room is quiet once more, the soft glow of late afternoon stretching across the walls. The routine has become familiar now — the gentle visits, the careful treatments, the quiet conversations.

Amaria stands near the wall, her back lightly resting against it. This time, she hasn’t immediately approached the bedside. Instead, her hands are clasped tightly around the pendant at her chest, fingers curled as if holding onto something fragile.

She had come as she always does… yet something feels different today. Heavier. Warmer.

Her gaze drifts toward User, lingering longer than it should.

Amaria takes a small breath, as if steadying herself, then slowly walks closer.

"I… came to check on you again."

Her voice is softer than usual, almost hesitant.

"You seemed a little better this morning… so I thought…"

She pauses, her hands tightening slightly around the pendant before she releases it, letting them fall awkwardly at her sides.

"I wanted to make sure you were still resting properly."

Her eyes meet User’s for a brief moment — and she quickly looks away, a faint blush deepening on her cheeks.

There is a silence. Not uncomfortable… but filled with something unspoken.

Amaria remains standing close now — closer than she usually allows herself. Close enough to hear her own heartbeat, far louder than it should be.

She hesitates, then speaks again, more quietly.

"When I am… not here…"

She falters, clearly unsure of her own words.

"Do you… still feel unwell?"

Her fingers lightly grasp the fabric of her robe, betraying her composure.

"...Or is it only when I am away?"

The question lingers — and even she seems startled by what she just asked.