Micah sat beside Darcy on the row of cold metal chairs outside the CCU wing, one leg stretched out carefully, the other bent, his fingers loosely wrapped around a half-finished fruit smoothie. The plastic cup was beaded with condensation, dampening his palm, but he didn't seem to notice. His gaze drifted toward Darcy, expression softening.
The hospital corridor smelled faintly of disinfectant. Nurses in soft blue scrubs passed by now and then, their rubber soles squeaking lightly against the polished floor. Somewhere farther down the hall, a heart monitor beeped in a steady rhythm, mechanical and indifferent. A vending machine hummed in the corner, the only constant sound besides the low murmur of families waiting.
Darcy sat beside Micah, elbows on his knees, fingers laced loosely, staring at the floor tiles. But the persistent looks coming their way broke his moment of peace.
