~Sienna~

A loud silence follows Elias’s departure. It’s heavy and thick with the unsaid things vibrating between Norman and me. He doesn't move immediately, he just stands there, his gaze fixed on the door where Elias disappeared, his expression unreadable and cold. I watch him, my heart hammering against my ribs, feeling exposed in my hospital gown with my head wrapped in gauze. Finally, he shifts, his shoulders dropping just an inch as he turns back to me.

"How are you doing, Sienna?" ...