After Emily shut the door on him, Julian stood outside the hospital room, stunned. A wave of emotions crashed over him—hurt, anger, regret. He lingered there for a moment, his mind racing, before finally turning away. His footsteps echoed in the quiet hallway, the sound reverberating off the cold walls.
Outside, the storm had passed, but the sky remained overcast, the heavy clouds hanging low, as if the world was still holding its breath. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the scent of wet earth and fallen leaves. Though the rain had stopped, the sun had yet to break through, leaving everything in a muted, grey light.
