He had. Deep down… He had wished for a miracle.
'A place like this… a treatment like this… it has to work… right…?'
But now...reality felt cold. Unforgiving. Like a hand pressing firmly against his chest, forcing him to accept the truth.
His shoulders slumped slightly as he turned away. "I understand…" he muttered faintly, his voice almost breaking.
He took a step forward, ready to leave... "Son…"
The voice was soft. Faint. Yet unmistakable. Xander froze. His entire body stiffened as if struck by lightning.
'Did I… hear that…?'
For a brief moment, he wondered if it was just his imagination… or the cruel echo of his own longing.
Slowly, almost afraid of what he might see, he turned back.
Casey was still there. Her posture hadn't changed much. Her appearance was still that of a zombie.
But... Her eyes… They were no longer empty. There was something in them now.
