November 29, 1899 — Ashbury General Hospital, Central Amerathia
The early morning breeze rustled through the rows of poplar trees lining the perimeter of Ashbury General, one of the newest public hospitals funded by Amerathia's postwar reconstruction plan. Its redbrick facade was simple but dignified, with large windows to let in the sunlight and wide, gently sloped ramps replacing narrow stairwells—features designed by doctors, not bureaucrats.
President Matthew Hesh stepped out of the polished black government carriage, a little slower than usual. His coat, dark gray and neatly tailored, fluttered slightly in the wind. At his side, Amber Hesh descended with poise, wearing a dove-blue dress and a traveling hat pinned neatly to her auburn hair. She carried a small notebook in her gloved hand.
