Dawn's soft light crept through the ICU's frosted windows as Lynn sat beside Lucian's bed, fingers entwined around his. His head was swathed in bandages, respirator hissed softly, and monitors chimed in gentle rhythms. Milo and Kai slept curled against her on an armchair draped with a hospital blanket.
Dr. Patel breeched the hush, eyes warm beneath her mask. “Good news: Lucian's ribs are healing, and there's no internal bleeding. We'll remove the respirator this afternoon. He should regain consciousness soon."
Lynn exhaled, relief flooding her. She brushed a lock of hair from Lucian's forehead. “Thank you, doctor."
As Dr. Patel departed, Lynn glanced at the bedside table: a framed copy of their annulment papers, now stamped **“VOID."** With trembling fingers, she signed them properly an
