The doctor gave my shoulder one last gentle pat, the kind meant to steady someone who looked like they might fall apart any second.
"I'll be back in about an hour or so for a routine check-up," he said, voice calm and even.
"Okay…" I nodded, swallowing hard. My throat felt dry, like sandpaper.
"You take care of yourself too," he added, looking me right in the eye. "Your mother is okay. Don't worry too much. She'll wake up tomorrow, most likely. We've got her stable."
"Alright… Thank you, Doctor," I managed, lips pressed tight. I was trying so hard to keep my face straight, to not let the cracks show.
He let out a quiet breath, gave me a small nod, then turned and walked to the door. It clicked shut behind him—soft, but it felt loud in the sudden quiet. Just me and Aeri now.
*Tap… tap…*
