Larissa's POV
The waiting room settled into an uncomfortable quiet, with only the relentless ticking of the hospital clock breaking the silence. Each second felt stretched, amplified by our collective anxiety. When my phone buzzed, I nearly jumped out of my skin.
Carson: Safely back at the office now. Please update me after your father's procedure. I can arrange meal delivery if you plan to stay through the evening.
His consideration caught me off guard, sending an unexpected warmth through my chest. My fingers moved quickly across the screen: "I will. Thanks for thinking of us."
Joe's phone interrupted my thoughts with its sharp ring. He checked the caller ID before pushing himself up from the uncomfortable plastic chair.
"I have to handle this call. Give me a minute."
