RONAN’S POV
Nikolai and I stood over Dad, who lay tethered to machines, his shallow breaths supported by oxygen. The rhythmic beeping filled the silence between us.
"How's he doing?" Nikolai asked, his voice subdued.
I crossed my arms over my chest, my gaze fixed on Dad’s motionless form. "I can’t tell if he’s improving or getting worse."
Nikolai placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "He’ll pull through. It’s just a matter of time."
"Thanks, man," I muttered, though the weight of uncertainty lingered.
After a moment, Nikolai shifted gears. "And Mum? How’s she holding up?"
I sighed. "She’s in the caregivers’ lounge. She’s barely coping. I practically begged her to rest."
"She needs all the support she can get," he said quietly.
I nodded, but my mind was already elsewhere. "What about Liora? Any updates from the police?"