The following morning broke with the first light of dawn, and Talon awoke to find a familiar figure seated beside his hospital bed. He immediately recognized the woman, adorned in a fedora hat that cast a shadow over her face, her hair concealed beneath the lapels of her jacket.
"Good morning, Talon," Claire greeted him with a warm, inviting smile.
"Claire?" Talon's voice was tinged with a mixture of surprise and relief.
He reached for the button beside his bed, and the upper portion of the mattress was gently elevated, allowing him to sit up comfortably.
"How are you feeling so far?" she asked, her tone soft and caring.
"Getting better," he responded quietly, his voice still groggy from sleep.
Claire's smile broadened slightly as she continued, "I wanted to visit you earlier. I'm sorry I could only make it this morning."
"No, it's okay," Talon reassured her.
