South End Hospital – 10:32 AM
Kael sat in the hallway, fingers steepled, a cup of untouched coffee beside him. The double doors at the end of the hall hadn't opened in twenty minutes, and still, he couldn't move.
A nurse walked by—Shay, mid-30s, warm eyes—and offered a quiet nod. "She's awake now. You can go in."
He stood. Every step felt like glass.
Amara's Hospital Room – 10:34 AM
Amara lay against crisp white sheets, sunlight pooling across her face. Her eyes fluttered open, landing on Kael.
Neither spoke.
He sat slowly in the chair beside her. "You're really here."
Amara gave a faint smile. "I never thought I'd be again."
Kael leaned forward. "There's so much I don't know how to say."
"Then don't," she said. "Just… sit."
He did.
They stayed that way for a long time.
Rooftop Terrace – 6:48 PM
Later that evening, Amara stood with Nova by the rooftop terrace, wrapped in a hospital cardigan. The wind tugged gently at her curls.
"You still draw?" Nova asked.
"Not yet," Amara said. "But I still see things I want to."
Nova handed her a new sketchpad and a pencil. "Start when you're ready. Doesn't have to be perfect."
Amara took it in both hands, holding it like memory.