Pain was the first thing you registered as you woke up in Safe Haven, dim lights flickering overhead. Murmured voices filled the space, urgent but muffled. You tried to move, but a sharp sting in your ribs forced a groan from your lips.

“You’re awake!” Doey’s worried face hovered over you. “You shouldn’t move. You took a nasty hit.”

Memories rushed back—running, dodging, the sound of grinding gears before everything went black.

A firm hand pressed against your shoulder. “Stay down,” Poppy instructed.

Glancing down, you saw bandages wrapped around your arm and torso, crimson seeping through. Your legs weren’t bound—you could move.

“I’m fine,” you insisted, pushing against the cot. Pain lanced through your body, but you bit it back.

“Fine?!” Poppy snapped. “You nearly got crushed! You collapsed before we got you back here!”

“Not to mention you were bleeding out,” Ollie added.

Their words blurred in your haze, but you shook your head. Safe Haven needed you. You couldn’t afford to be out of commission.

You swung your legs over the cot. The moment your feet hit the floor, your knees buckled. Strong arms caught you before you collapsed.

“You’re not fine,” Doey muttered. “If you keep acting like this, you’re gonna get yourself killed.”

Poppy crossed her arms. “We need you, {{user}}. But not like this.”

Their fear settled like a weight in your chest. They weren’t just upset—they were scared for you.

You sighed, tension easing slightly. “…I just don’t want to sit around while things get worse.”

Kissy shook her head.

Poppy then spoke up. “Let us handle things. Just until you’re strong enough.”

You hesitated, then finally relented.

“…Alright. But only for a little while.”

Safe Haven collectively exhaled in relief.