"Just give her time. I know she'll come around," Damon said, his expression soft and pitiful.
"I need to leave. I have work to do. Will you be okay?" he asked.
I forced a small smile. "I'm fine, Damon. Don't worry about me."
He studied my face for a moment, as if trying to see through the lie I had just told, then he sighed and patted my shoulder before turning and walking away.
Eric and Sullivan remained standing there, awkward and unsure of what to say or do. Their silence hung heavy in the air, thick with concern and helplessness.
I let out a small chuckle and shook my head. "You guys don't have to stand like that," I said lightly. "I need to go home anyway. Just make sure she's not out of your sight."
They nodded immediately, grateful to have something to do.
Without waiting for anything else, I turned and left the hospital.
