Introduction
The day hung over Shego with an oppressive weight, a constant shadow that had settled into her existence since that devastating event that shattered her world. A month had passed since her light was extinguished, plunging her into an unfathomable darkness.
The sudden flicker of the lamp in the dark room briefly interrupted her thoughts. She squinted wearily before her eyes landed on the nurse entering for her morning round. The woman’s compassionate gaze pierced her with an intensity that, once upon a time, would have sparked her fury. She didn’t need, nor did she want, pity. But now... now Shego was drained, so worn down that indignation felt like a luxury she couldn’t afford.
For a month, her rest had been insufficient—barely a functional remnant that kept her conscious. Her food intake was minimal, just enough to keep her alive. Her world had been reduced to the cold, impersonal walls of the hospital, and with each new dawn, the hope she had tried to hold on to crumbled, taking with it any trace of the desire to go on.
Pain and hopelessness weren’t new to her. Since childhood, she had endured trials few could even imagine. Physical and mental suffering had been constant companions; ones she had learned to ignore. But this time was different. This time, after having experienced true happiness, the depth of her loss was more profound than ever. Knowing happiness had only made its absence more unbearable.
The nurse entered and left without a word. It had been days since anyone had tried to speak to her. There were no words to say. When the light flickered off again and the door closed with a soft click, Shego rose with slow, mechanical movements. She approached the stretcher with a heaviness that seemed unbearable, her pale, trembling fingers delicately resting on the lifeless hand of the only person who had ever truly meant something to her. A single tear slid down her cheek, and in a broken whisper, she begged:
"My princess... please, wake up..."