The tape mark on the back of Daisy's hand itched where the IV had been. A faint bruise was all that remained, proof of the days she'd spent under the hospital's routine.
This morning, the doctor smiled and said the words she'd been waiting for: "You can go home this afternoon."
Home. The word should have felt comforting, but instead it rang hollow.
Her phone lay warm in her palm, screen lighting up with familiar names. Her thumb hovered, scrolling past Theo's number, once instinct, now nothing but a weight in her chest. Four days in this hospital bed, and not a single visit, not a call, not even a message.
Instead, her thumb stilled over Aurora's name. She swallowed hard, then pressed call.
"Aurora?" Her voice came out small, almost unsure. "I… the doctor said I can leave this afternoon. Could you… maybe come get me?"
There was a pause, but Aurora's reply was gentle and calm. "Of course. Don't worry about anything, I'll be there. Should twelve be okay?"
