Chapter XXIII: Ayat
The sun dips lower in the sky, casting a golden hue over the hospital's sterile white walls. Shane paces anxiously in the hallway outside the ICU, her hands clench tightly together. She has been restless since hearing about Isko's recovery, her heart racing with emotions she couldn't quite sort out.
Inside the ICU, Christine stands by Isko's bedside, softly adjusting the blanket draped over him. Benigno steps out for a moment to get some coffee, leaving Christine to keep watch. Isko, though still pale and weak, offers a faint smile.
"Masakit pa ba ang ulo mo, Isko?" Christine asks gently.
"Medyo po," Isko replies with a weak chuckle,
"pero nakakabuti naman po ang pahinga."
As Christine prepares to leave the room to allow Isko some rest, she notices Shane lingering
