Family Ties
The hospital corridor smelled of bleach and wilted flowers. Ava walked it alone at first, clutching a paper bag of her father’s favorite sesame bagels and the new paperback Western he’d asked for. She had texted Lucian that morning.
I need to do this by myself today.
He had answered with a single word.
Understood.
So when the elevator doors opened on the oncology floor and Lucian stepped out behind her, coat over his arm, sunflowers bright against the gray walls, her heart stuttered in surprise.
He met her eyes, calm and steady. I know you asked for space. But I’m not here for you. I’m here for him. If he throws me out, I’ll go.
Something warm and terrifying unfurled in her chest. She nodded once.
They entered the room together.
Robert Harper was half dozing, televis
