Before leaving, James paused, his back still turned.

“Felix, has my brother ever told you that I’m a heartless person?”

This cryptic remark naturally piqued Vera’s curiosity, but James offered no explanation. Felix watched as his figure disappeared down the hallway, taking a moment before turning back.

The room returned to its former quiet. Felix sat down carefully by the bedside and said to the woman lying there, “They’re gone. You can wake up ...