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For—

Her voice fades slightly.

Not gone.

Just farther away.

Like I’m drifting.

Like I’m losing ground again.

No.

Not yet.

I push again.

Harder this time.

Against the weight.

Against the pull.

Against everything trying to drag me under.

And this time—

My chest lifts.

A real breath.

Rough.

Painful.

But mine.

“There—”

Her voice again.

Sharp now.

Focused.

“He’s fighting it.”

Damn right.

I don’t go down easy.

Never have.

Never will.

Another breath.

Still hurts.