Unresolved Faults

A gentle breeze wafted through the open window, carrying with it the faint scent of autumn leaves and the distant hum of life beyond the hospital walls. Sunlight spilled across the room, casting warm, golden hues that softened the clinical white surroundings. Sota sat upright in his hospital bed, his thoughts swirling like the leaves outside, unable to find a moment of rest. The muffled sound of footsteps in the hallway punctuated the stillness, each echo a reminder of the world moving forward while he remained confined.

Restlessness itched at him, more than the dull ache in his ankle. He reached for the water cup on the bedside table, his hand brushing against the magazines left by Coach Mercer. Flipping through them had become an exercise in futility; no amount of celebrity gossip or motivational quotes could silence the persistent voice in his head.