Chapter 249: A Change Is Happening

OLLIE

For the first time since Andy's revelations had destroyed our family, I saw real emotion on my brother's face. Hope, excitement, desperate need - all the feelings the medication had been suppressing came flooding back as he processed what this meant.

Dad was already making a U-turn, his movements sharp and efficient as he navigated back toward the hospital. "They want us there," he said. "If Lake is regaining consciousness, having familiar faces nearby could help orient him."

The drive back felt eternal despite Dad pushing the speed limit. I watched Riley press his face against the window, his entire body tense with...