Leah
The hospital felt different the next day.
Not calmer. Just… settled into itself. Like the crisis had stopped escalating and now existed in a steady, grinding state of waiting.
I came back after my visit with my father, after the five quiet minutes beside his bed where nothing changed and everything felt heavier for it. The machines hummed. His chest rose and fell. I left when the nurse touched my arm.
When I stepped back into the waiting area, Lizzie was there.
She stood near the windows, her body angled into Jacob’s side, his arm draped around her shoulders. She looked smaller today. Exhausted. Fragile in a way that invited protection.
Olivia stood a few feet away, arms crossed, her expression openly disgusted.
I didn’t slow down. I didn’t look at them.
I walked straight to O
