Ayla
Hospitals always smell the same—cold, sterile, and somehow… small. After making sure Yuna’s aunt was with her and her mom was already being treated, I finally excused myself.
“If you need anything, just text me.”
Yuna nodded weakly, her eyes still swollen. “Thanks, Ay… seriously. Thank you.”
I ruffled her hair before walking out. The moment the hospital doors slid shut behind me, the night air felt heavier. River was waiting near the car, hands in his pockets, face shadowed by the dim parking lights.
“Ready to go?” he asked softly.
I just nodded.
We didn’t get into the car right away. There was this strange, quiet pause—as if we were both still trying to process everything that had happened today.
When the car finally rolled out of the parking lot, I stared out the window, cat
