Ric and Cammy, accompanied by Dylan and his nanny, left Pearl Resort just after sunrise. The morning was quiet, heavy with unspoken tension, as their car sped down the coastal highway toward the hospital—today was the day Dylan's cast would finally come off.
When they arrived, the sterile scent of antiseptic filled the air. Outside the orthopedic examination room, Duncan and Annie were already waiting. Annie sat with her legs crossed, her expression unreadable, while Duncan's gaze was fixed on the corridor—like he knew they were coming.
"Daddy!" Dylan's voice pierced the silence, full of excitement and longing. He ran straight into Duncan's arms.
A rare smile cracked Duncan's stoic face as he scooped Dylan up, holding him tight. "Are you ready to get that cast off, son?"
"Yes!" Dylan beamed. "I can finally scratch my leg—it's been driving me crazy! So itchy," His innocent jest drew a few soft chuckles from the adults, easing the weight of the moment, if only briefly.
