At the hospital, a heavy silence hung over the waiting room like a storm cloud. The tension was palpable, each second feeling like an eternity. Then, at last, the doctor emerged, pulling off his mask with a sigh.
"The injury wasn't fatal," the doctor announced, his voice calm and steady. "Roger is out of danger. We managed to stabilize him."
A collective breath of relief washed over those waiting. Lily's knees nearly buckled, tears spilling from her eyes as a grateful sob escaped her lips. "Thank you… thank you so much."
But while relief washed over Lily, a heavy, crushing weight settled over Sylvester. His eyes darkened, his jaw clenched tightly. Yet instead of rushing to Roger's side, he turned away. His steps were slow and deliberate, his shoulders heavy with shame.
"Grandfather?" Lilac's voice called after him, worry lacing her tone.
"Come, Lilac," Sylvester muttered, his voice rough, refusing to look back. "Let's go."
"But Roger—"
