The silence was thick—unnatural. Cold. Vivian’s breath trembled in the dream as she stood barefoot in a sterile white hallway. Fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, flickering sporadically. The metallic scent of blood clung to the air, iron-heavy and choking.

  Her heart pounded as she stepped forward, arms wrapped tightly around herself, her hospital gown fluttering. From behind a locked door, a scream ripped through the air—raw, childlike, and filled with agony.

  “Please! No—he’s just a kid!”

  Vivian flinched.

  Then she saw him—her father. Back turned, lab coat bloodstained. Monitors blinked in chaotic patterns. A clipboard in his hands. No hesitation.

  “Stop it! Please stop!” she shouted in the dream.

  He turned around, slowly.

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  But his face was blurry, expression unreadable, except for his voice.

  “It’s all for the greater good, Vivian.”

  She stepped back.

  “Father…?”

  His face twisted, melting into the blank stare of a Shadow. The lights exploded overhead. Black limbs clawed at the edges of her vision—

  Vivian jerked awake with a sharp gasp, sitting upright in the infirmary bed. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, sweat sticking to her skin. The dim emergency lights gave the room a muted glow, casting long shadows across the floor.

  Kara was at her side in an instant, her expression drawn with worry. “Hey—hey, you’re okay,” she whispered, reaching out gently to steady her. “It’s alright. Just breathe.”

  Vivian blinked, disoriented, eyes scanning the quiet room before landing on Kara. “I… I was dreaming.”

  “A nightmare?” Kara asked softly, settling beside her on the bed.

  Vivian nodded, slowly wiping a hand over her face. “Yeah.”

  Kara’s voice was careful, kind. “Do you get them often?”

  Vivian hesitated. Her eyes lingered on the wall, distant. “…It’s part of me now. Comes and goes. Some nights are worse.”

  Kara didn’t press her further. She just offered a small, understanding smile. “I’m here if you need anything. Even if it’s just to talk. Or not talk. Whatever you need.”

  Vivian glanced at her, the corner of her lips curving faintly. “Thanks.”