*Lexie’s POV*

The waiting room at Santa Barbara General Hospital feels oppressive, the tension in the air thick enough to suffocate. I sit next to Natasha, her leg bouncing nervously as we wait for news about Daniel. Noland stands near us, his imposing presence somehow reassuring even though I know he's struggling with his own turmoil. Carol paces back and forth, wringing her hands as she anxiously waits with us.

"Any news?" Natasha asks for the ...