The corridors of the sanitarium were deep and echoing. As Avery led Dorothea through the quiet space, their two sets of footsteps created a rhythmic cadence against the sterile walls.
The nurse behind the station spared her a quick glance. There was no polite small talk; she simply offered a solemn nod toward the far end of the hallway.
The door was ajar. Avery pushed it open, met by a sharp, clinical draft of antiseptic. Julian was propped up against the headboard. The sunlight hitting his face revealed a much healthier color in his cheeks than before.
At the sound of the door, he turned his head slowly. His gaze locked onto Avery's face for a brief moment before darting past her to find Dorothea.
"Sis."
Avery's heart constricted. Her eyes burned as she crossed the room in a few stri
