“Evelyn, you can’t keep going like this,” Sandra’s voice trembled as she stood beside the hospital bed where Evelyn was still recovering.

Evelyn stared out the window. A light rain clung to the glass, dotting it with tiny beads of water. Silence.

“William… he’s been outside since last night,” Sandra continued softly. “Sitting in the hallway without sleeping. He hasn’t tried to come in. He’s just… waiting. At least let him speak.”

Evelyn drew in a deep, heavy breath. Her eyes were swollen, but her gaze remained sharp.

“What could he possibly say? That he’s sorry again? That he wanted to protect me but couldn’t trust my choices?”

“No,” Sandra...