The hallway outside the ICU felt like a graveyard of breaths held too long, the lights too bright, the silence so heavy that even the drip of rain on the windows sounded like thunder.
Julian's knees bounced restlessly as he stared at the floor. Karl sat slumped forward, his hands pressed together like he was trying to pray but couldn't remember how. Adrian didn't move an inch, leaning stiffly against the wall, his shadow looking just as frozen as he did. Angeline sat close to Ruby, her hand firm on Ruby's back, though her own eyes were glassy.
Time felt like it stretched cruelly on and on until, at last, the double doors creaked open with a soft, echoing click that made every head snap up.
Healer stepped out, her gown still flecked with the faintest traces of sweat and the subtle blood. Her shoulders sagged, but her eyes tired and red around the edges held a spark of relief.