The rest of the day passed in a haze of quiet recovery for Henry, the hum of the hospital providing a soothing background to his thoughts. He focused on small tasks, stretching his fingers, shifting his legs, trying to rebuild some semblance of control over his weakened body. Each movement was a reminder of how far he had to go, but also how far he had come.
By the time Livia returned, the evening sunlight was filtering through the window, casting a golden glow across the room. She entered with her usual energy, balancing a bag of takeout and her school bag, her cheeks flushed from the brisk walk. The moment she saw him sitting up in bed, she broke into a warm smile.
“Hey,” she greeted, placing the food on the small table near his bed. “I brought dinner for us. Figured you might be sick
