Adrian couldn't move.
The café around them continued as though nothing had happened.
A couple laughed quietly near the window.
A waiter carried fresh pastries to another table.
Coffee machines hissed in the background.
Life continued.
For Adrian...
Everything had stopped.
He stared at Evelyn with disbelief written across his face.
"You..."
His voice cracked.
"You're sick?"
Evelyn held his gaze.
"I am."
"For how long?"
She thought for a moment.
"Long enough to realize life doesn't wait for people to become kinder."
Adrian slowly leaned back in his chair.
His face had gone pale.
"No."
He shook his head repeatedly.
"There has to be treatment."
"There is."
"And?"
She smiled faintly.
"It's complicated."
"What hospital?"
"Evelyn."
He leaned forward.
"Tell me."
She w
