*ARIANA*
"Yeah. Mom called him. He showed up with a folder."
Dad's face went carefully blank. "What time?"
"Around eight. Visiting hours was ending."
"I was still unconscious."
"I know."
He stared at the wall, jaw working. "What did he say?"
"I don't know. Mom pulled him aside. They were whispering."
Silence. Too long.
"Dad?"
"Hmm." He looked at me, and I saw something in his eyes that made my stomach drop.
Fear.
Before I could continue, a nurse pushed through the door, clipboard in hand.
"Mr. Chase needs to rest now," she said, giving me an apologetic but firm look. "You can come back during afternoon visiting hours."
Dad squeezed my hand once more. "Go. I promise, Ariana. I'll handle this."
I nodded, throat too tight to speak, and left.
But the fear in his eyes stayed wit
