Bella was called into Dr. Aris Thorne's office later that morning.
She walked in quietly, exhaustion clinging to her like a heavy shadow. She had not slept the entire night. Her eyes were red from strain, and her hair looked slightly messy, soft strands slipping loose as if she had run her fingers through it too many times while trying to stay strong.
She sat down slowly, hands resting in her lap, trying to steady her breathing.
"Doctor… is everything okay?" she asked softly.
Her voice sounded calm, but there was a fragile tremor beneath it.
Dr. Thorne studied her for a moment before responding, his expression careful and professional. "He is stable," he said. "But there are concerns."
Bella's chest tightened instantly.
Dr. Thorne leaned back slightly, folding his hands as he chose his words with care.
