The hospital corridor was quiet, but tension dripped from the walls like water from a cracked pipe.

Lydia stood stiffly, her arms crossed and face cold, while disappointment brewed like storm clouds in her chest. She hadn't expected joy walking into this place, but she certainly hadn’t expected this. The sterile smell of disinfectant did nothing to suppress the heat in her veins. At her side, Linsy looked pale but composed, her gaze lowered respectfully.

The ward ...