Anthony sat beside Claire for a while longer at the hospital, the steady beeping of the machines and the soft sound of his own breathing the only noise in the room. Claire's mother had drifted back to sleep, and the tension in the air had finally begun to ease. But even in this moment of quiet, Anthony's mind was restless. He knew he had to leave soon. The meeting Nathan had called was urgent, and though Anthony didn't want to leave Claire at such a vulnerable time, he had no choice.
After a while, Anthony gently squeezed Claire's shoulder and stood up. She looked up at him with tired eyes.
"I have to go," he said softly, his voice heavy with reluctance. "I have some urgent business to attend to."
Claire looked at him, her brow furrowed slightly. "At this time? What business could be so urgent?" she asked, her tone a little surprised.
