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Cassette 01: BUTTON

It was the hottest day of 2025. The air hung thick like a fever dream. Zara lay half-awake, the lingering effects of her illness and medication clouding her senses. Sweat clung to her skin. She barely had the strength to lift her head, but her thoughts burned clearer than ever—she missed Randy. Even knowing he wouldn’t come, her heart refused to let go of the thought. 

The hospital was silent, unnaturally so. Afternoon light filtered weakly through the blinds, casting long, blurred shadows on the walls. Then came a sound.  

Soft at first—just a footstep. 

Then another. 

The quiet rhythm of someone walking down the corridor. Familiar. Quick, yet careful. Gentle. 

Zara’s heart stumbled. She pushed herself upright, her breath caught between hope and disbelief. 

The footsteps halted — just outside her door.

The silence returned, heavier than before. But something was different. She felt it. 

A whisper escaped her, almost involuntarily.

“Randy…?”

No reply. 

Only silence. 

And yet… she could sense it—someone was there. She leaned her forehead against the door, her voice trembling.