The hospital's main entrance was bathed in warm light as Alex guided Linda through the automatic doors.
The familiar antiseptic smell hit them immediately, along with the quiet bustle of evening shift changes.
As they walked toward the elevators, Alex's enhanced perception caught movement in his peripheral vision.
Dimitri stood near a maintenance corridor, partially concealed behind a pillar. Their eyes met for a brief moment.
Alex gave an almost imperceptible nod, then raised his hand slightly... a subtle gesture indicating he'd return later.
Dimitri's expression remained neutral, but Alex caught the slight acknowledgment before the man melted back into the shadows.
"Everything alright?" Linda asked, noticing his momentary distraction.
"Just spacing out for a second," he said with a faint smile. "Come on."
***
Nina's room felt like a haven of warmth compared to the sterile corridors. The little girl was awake, looking significantly better than when they'd left.
