Khalifa and Cauis arrived at the ICU a minute or so after the notification. The rhythmic beeping of medical equipment sounded to their ears, reminding them of the seriousness of the old man's state.
The old man had all sorts of tubes around him, looking pale, thin, and very weak. However his eyes were clear.
Ironically, this was the first time she saw him truly lucid.
"Old man…" she uttered softly.
"Little girl…" he said, voice aged and cracked, but his words were clear.
He turned his head to the handsome brown-haired man next to her. "Your man, I presume?"
She nodded without thinking and Cauis' eyes warmed in response.
"Come, sit." He said, voice weak. "Let me tell you my story while I remember it."
The couple took the seats next to the old man. He didn't start immediately but stared into the air for several minutes before speaking, and the couple did not rush him.
