The next morning began earlier than anyone expected.
Before sunrise, the hospital floor was already stirring to life. Nurses moved quietly through the corridors, changing shifts while the smell of fresh coffee drifted from the staff lounge. The world outside was just beginning to wake, but inside Noah's room, sleep had already become impossible.
Noah was sitting upright in bed, staring out the window.
Aiden walked in carrying two cups of coffee and immediately noticed.
"You've been awake for a while."
"I couldn't sleep."
"Thinking?"
"When am I not?"
Aiden handed him one of the cups before remembering.
"Oh... right."
He laughed awkwardly.
"You can't have coffee yet."
Noah accepted the cup anyway, inhaling its aroma.
"Cruel."
"I know."
A knock interrupted them.
Dr. Hayes entered with two nurses following behind.
"Good morning."
He glanced at Noah before smiling.
"I hear someone is eager to escape."
"I'm eager to leave."
"Escape sounds more dramatic."
