A Web of Secrets

Lily, who had been uncharacteristically silent, cast one last glance toward the direction Zinnia had gone before following the two men. Her steps were deliberate, and there was a certain stiffness in her posture that didn't go unnoticed.

Back in James's hospital room, Timmy busied himself with rearranging a stack of papers on a side table, clearly trying to avoid the tension that had followed them in. James leaned back on the bed, his arms crossed over his chest, his gaze fixed on the ceiling as though lost in thought.

Lily, however, remained standing near the door, her arms folded tightly across her chest. Her eyes were sharp, scanning the room before settling on Timmy, who looked up nervously.

"Lily," Timmy started, his voice wavering slightly, "uh… thanks for helping us out earlier. You didn't have to stay with us, you know."