The afternoon shift dragged like wet cement. I moved through the corridors on muscle memory-checking IVs, updating charts, answering call bells-keeping my head down so no one would ask why my eyes looked bruised from crying I hadn't let myself do yet.

Joshua hadn't shown up. No black SUV idling in the staff lot. No tall shadow waiting at the end of a hallway. Part of me was relieved. The bigger part kept glancing toward the east wing like Lukas might appear around the corner, sleeves rolled up, smiling that tired, perfect smile he used to wear like armor.

I hadn't gone to his office. Couldn't. What would I even...