Everything slowed down after the heated morning, excitement, and small victory.

The house felt quiet in a heavy way as Myla packed a bag for Hayden’s hospital stay.

Beck stood on the balcony, staring at the city’s skyline. The sky was gray with heavy clouds, the kind of color that warned of rain. His hands were squeezing the railing so hard that his knuckles whitened without realizing it.

Hayden’s wheelchair whirled softly against the floor as he joined him.

“I can see the gears ...