Chapter 52: Visiting his father

Adams adjusted the sleeves of his shirt, the weight of the moment pressing on him as the doctor guided him, his mother, and Sandra into his father’s hospital room. The atmosphere was sterile, with the faint hum of machines monitoring his father’s fragile state. His father, a once formidable man with an imposing presence, now looked frail and small against the stark white hospital sheets.

“You have ten minutes,” the doctor said softly. “He needs his rest.”

Adams nodded, his throat tightening as he stepped forward. His mother stood at the foot of the bed, her hands clasped tightly in front of her, while Sandra...