Master Shen, standing like a stone pillar behind his wife, finally spoke, his voice cracking despite his effort to remain calm, "Doctor… be honest. My son, will he ever wake?"
The physician's hand paused on Shen Xiao's chart. For a long moment, the only sound was the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor, "so far, we have stabilized him and that's the best we could do!" he said finally, voice measured. "But whether he regains consciousness… depends not on us, but on his will. His body fights, but the outcome is uncertain."
The words hung in the sterile air, heavier than the machines keeping them alive.
Madam Shen broke down in sobs as she moved closer to the hospital bed, clutching her son's cold hand as though her warmth could anchor him back to life. Master Shen tightened his grip on her shoulder, his own eyes bloodshot but refusing to shed a tear.
