ELIJAH'S POV
Mom's voice dragged me from a fitful sleep. "Elijah, honey. It's morning."
I blinked, squinting against the harsh hospital lights. Mom stood over me, her face etched with worry lines that seemed deeper than yesterday.
"I'm heading home to shower and get your father some fresh clothes," she said, running a hand through her disheveled hair.
I grunted, struggling to sit up in the uncomfortable chair. My neck ached from the awkward angle I'd been sleeping in. Across the room, Imogen was fussing with Dad's pillows, pointedly ignoring me.
Mom's tired eyes flicked between us, and she sighed. "Please, you two. For my sake, can we put the family drama aside? Just... just for now?"
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. Mom gave me a wan smile before turning to leave. Her shoes clicked down the hallway, the sound fading away and leaving us in tense silence.
