Evan didn't leave. Instead, he checked into a hotel near the hospital.
Every day, he went to the hospital, watching Maya work from a distance. He watched her move seamlessly with Lucas, watched the growing smile on her face.
He knew it was too late for words. He still wanted to try, just one last time.
That day, he finally found an opportunity.
A batch of critically injured patients arrived. Maya and Lucas were swamped, working frantically.
Evan stepped in, helping carry supplies, calming panicked families, sweating from the effort.
Maya noticed but said nothing.
By evening, the patients were all settled. Maya rested on a bench in the corridor.
Evan approached with a bottle of water. "Drink. You've been at it all day."
Maya didn't take it. "Thanks for helping today, but I hope you
