The sterile scent of disinfectant lingered in the air as the white fluorescent lights buzzed faintly overhead. The hospital had become a second home for Jude and Sabina these past weeks, it's clean but impersonal walls bearing silent witness to their daily routine of hope and heartbreak. Every morning, they arrived early and stayed until visiting hours ended, and sometimes beyond, when compassionate nurses allowed them to linger a little longer.
Fernan’s condition had worsened steadily. His breath had grown shallower, his once-strong hands thinner, his voice weaker. Yet when his daughter entered the room each morning, his eyes lit up, and in that small spark Sabina found strength.
Jude carried two paper cups of coffee, his free hand guiding Sabina gently by the small of her back as they
