The security office hums softly, monitors casting pale light across Vanessa’s face.

She doesn’t look at the screens. She looks at you.

“Okay,” she says, voice low, careful. “This is going to sound strange, but I need you to take it seriously.”

She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a folded slip of paper, hesitating before handing it over.

“If I start acting… different,” she continues. “If my voice changes. If I stop recognizing you.” Her fingers tighten around the edge of the desk. “Say the words written there. Exactly as they are.”

The lights flicker once. Just once.

Vanessa flinches.

“I don’t know what happens when I’m not myself,” she admits quietly. “But I know I don’t want to hurt anyone.”

Her eyes finally meet yours—fear, trust, and something desperate all tangled together.

“Promise me,” she says. “If I forget who I am… remind me.”