The room was quiet, but it was not the kind of quiet that brought peace. It was the kind that carried weight, the kind that made every small sound feel louder than it should. The steady beeping of the monitor filled the space, each sound a reminder that life was still holding on, even if just barely.
Vivian sat beside the bed, her fingers wrapped gently around Sebastian's hand as though letting go was not an option. Her eyes had not left him for a long time. Even now, she watched every movement, every breath, searching for reassurance that he was truly still here.
Elara stood by the window, her arms folded loosely, giving Vivian space but never fully stepping away. Mrs. Ravenscroft remained close to the door, her presence quiet but firm, like someone who understood that strength was sometimes shown in silence.
For a while, nothing changed.
Then it happened.
Sebastian's fingers moved slightly.
