Morning arrived gently over the coastal estate, sunlight spilling across white walls and quiet hallways designed for privacy rather than luxury. The world outside continued arguing about scandals and corporate guilt, but inside the recovery wing, time moved differently. Slower. Softer.
Silas woke without pain for the first time since the accident.
His eyes opened gradually, adjusting to the brightness filtering through sheer curtains. For several seconds he simply watched dust float in the sunlight, small drifting particles that seemed fascinating enough to hold his entire attention.
Then memory returned.
The hospital. The machines. The strange heaviness in his body.
And the man.
He shifted slightly, wincing only a little now. Strength was returning day by day, though doctors insiste
