St. Malachi General Hospital, Aurelia
The rhythmic beeping of heart monitors echoed softly through the oncology ward, blending with the distant squeak of nurses' shoes against polished floors.
Outside the large windows, Aurelia City's afternoon skyline glittered beneath the summer sun.
Inside… The atmosphere couldn't have felt colder.
Gabriel stood in front of a wide glass panel overlooking one of the hospital's indoor gardens, his reflection staring back at him while the physician quietly closed the office door.
The doctor adjusted his glasses before setting a digital tablet onto the desk.
"I'm glad you came so quickly, Hunter Gabriel."
Something in his tone made Gabriel's stomach tighten.
"Is… something wrong with my father?"
The older man drew in a measured breath. "I'm afraid so."
Silence lingered between them.
