Morning sunlight spilled through the hospital window, painting warm stripes across the sheets.
Felix stirred, eyes fluttering open as he adjusted to the soft brightness.
He blinked, letting the quiet warmth ease him into wakefulness.
Then he noticed.
The chair beside his bed was empty.
His gaze swept the room, his chest tightening without warning.
The blanket suddenly felt too heavy, the silence too loud.
He sat up slowly, his hand brushing the indentation left on the chair cushion as if it might still hold some trace of warmth.
"Matteo?" he called softly.
No answer.
A quiet knock broke the stillness. One of the guards stepped in, dressed in neat black, his expression polite but unreadable.
"Good morning, sir. Don. Matteo had to step out for a few hours. He'll be back later today."
Felix didn't respond at first. His shoulders eased slightly, but a subtle tension lingered in his jaw.
The guard added, "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. We're right outside."
