Elena’s POV
The automatic doors slid shut behind us, the cool evening air brushing against my cheeks as Adrian’s hand gently guided me toward his car. Natalie was still in her hospital bed, now asleep and stable. We’d spent most of the afternoon with her, speaking softly, watching her chest rise and fall as machines monitored her progress.
Adrian hadn’t said much on the ride down, and neither had I. The silence between us wasn’t uncomfortable, just heavy with everything unsaid.
As the car pulled away from the hospital curb, I finally broke the quiet.
“She’s going to be okay,” I said, more to reassure myself than him.
“She’s strong,” Adrian replied, his voice low. “Stronger than she knows.”
I reached for his hand resting on the center console. He laced his fingers with mine instantly
