Lila had fallen asleep. Curled up on her side with the coloring book still in her arms.
One hand rested on a half-colored dragon. As if she didn't want to let go even in her dreams.
Mira leaned over and carefully tucked the blanket around her.
She brushed a bit of hair away from Lila's face and kissed her forehead.
Her movements were soft and full of care. Like every small action carried a promise.
Kyle waited near the door, not wanting to break the quiet.
When they stepped out into the hallway. The soft hospital lights buzzed above them.
The air smelled the same. Clean. Cold. But now it felt heavier.
Like the silence left behind had followed them out.
Outside. The sun was low in the sky. The breeze was cool, and the first hint of night crept in around the buildings.
People walked past them without noticing, heading home or talking on phones. The world kept moving.
