**A New Chapter Unfolds**

The memories of that fateful day still lingered, a bittersweet reminder of the life I had known and the one that lay ahead. As Hange gently lifted me into his arms, I felt a sense of weightlessness, as if my entire existence had been reduced to a single, fragile thread. The sound of Commander Erwin's voice, though distant, seemed to carry a sense of finality, a seal on the fate that had been decided for me. The journey to the infirmary was a blur, my senses dulled by the fever that raged within me. I was vaguely aware of Hange's soothing words, his gentle touch, and the soft rustle of his uniform as he moved. The infirmary itself was a sterile, antiseptic environment, the smell of disinfectant and medicine a harsh assault on my sensitive nose. As Hange laid me down on the infirmary bed, I felt a sense of disorientation, as if my body had become a stranger to me. The medical staff bustled around me, their faces a blur of concerned expressions and murmured words. I tried to focus, to make sense of the chaos, but my mind was a jumble of thoughts, my emotions in turmoil. Hange's hand found mine, his fingers intertwining with mine in a gentle, reassuring grasp. I felt a surge of comfort, of peace, as his presence washed over me. He was my anchor, my safe haven, and I clung to him with all my might. The medical staff worked efficiently, their movements a blur of white coats and sterile gloves. I was poked and prodded, subjected to a barrage of tests and examinations. The sensory overload was intense, and I felt my mind begin to fragment, to shatter under the pressure. Hange's voice was a constant, a soothing balm that calmed my frazzled nerves. "It's okay, Levi," he whispered, his words a gentle caress. "I'm here. You're safe." The words were a lifeline, a thread of hope that I clung to as the medical staff worked to stabilize my condition. I was vaguely aware of the diagnoses, the discussions of my future, but Hange's presence was all that mattered. As the hours passed, my fever began to subside, my senses slowly coming back online. The infirmary was quiet, the only sound the soft beep of machines and the gentle hum of the air conditioning. Hange's hand still grasped mine, his fingers a gentle, reassuring pressure. I turned my head, my eyes searching for his. He was there, his face etched with concern, his eyes red-rimmed from lack of sleep. I smiled, a weak, tentative smile, and his face softened, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're going to be okay," he whispered, his voice low and husky. I nodded, my throat dry, my body weak. But with Hange by my side, I felt a sense of hope, a sense of possibility. The future was uncertain, but with him, I knew I could face anything.