FOUR

Juliette wakes from a nightmare after repeatedly trying to convince herself that she is not insane. She is drenched in sweat and disoriented, uncertain how long she has slept or whether Adam heard her scream.

Adam is awake and watching her. Juliette realizes she has taken the blankets and left Adam cold, but he does not complain. When Adam remarks that the screams never stop in the asylum, Juliette confirms it and reflects on the constant sounds of suffering that make her fear she could be next.

Adam tells Juliette that she is not insane, explaining that he had expected everyone locked inside to be dangerous. Juliette answers that she thought the same of him, and Adam smiles. The sincerity of his smile affects Juliette deeply because she has not seen a smile in 265 days.

When Juliette offers Adam the blanket, Adam wraps it around her instead. The gesture overwhelms Juliette, who remembers a lifetime without comforting touch, friendship, or parental affection. Adam asks to sit beside her, but Juliette refuses because closeness remains dangerous and frightening to her.

Adam returns to his bed, and Juliette worries when he says he is burning up. Adam explains that he is not sick, only warm because he is used to sleeping without clothes. He then apologizes for treating Juliette badly the previous day and asks again for her name. After hesitating, Juliette finally tells him: Juliette. Adam repeats it warmly, giving her a rare moment of recognition and tenderness.