The hospital smelled the same.
Clean.
Cold.
Unforgiving.
Evan adjusted his grip on the small bag in his hand as he walked down the hallway, his steps steady, but his mind anything but.
Each step felt heavier than the last.
He stopped in front of the door.
His hand hovered over the handle for a second.
Then he pushed it open.
“Hey…”
His voice came out soft.
Careful.
His mom turned her head slightly, and the moment she saw him, she smiled.
“You’re back.”
“Yeah… I brought your things.”
He walked in and placed the bag on the chair beside her bed.
“How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine,” she replied quickly. “I told you, it’s nothing serious.”
He nodded.
“Yeah… the nurse said the same thing.”
The words felt strange in his mouth, but he said them anyway.
She smiled, relieved.
“Se
