The VIP hospital ward was somewhat quiet, save for the faint beeping of machines. Ryan lay motionless on the hospital bed, his body unnaturally still.
An oxygen mask covered his face, and a heart monitor displayed a steady but fragile rhythm.
His arms rested limply by his sides, and the slight rise and fall of his chest were the only signs that life still clung to him.
Beside him, Catherine sat with her head resting near his hand on the bed.
Her eyes were closed, exhaustion finally overtaking her after a long, sleepless night of worry. Her breathing was slow and uneven, her face pale from stress and grief.
Then the door creaked open softly... Lena stepped inside, her movements careful, almost hesitant.
She took in the sight before her of Catherine's fragile form slumped in fatigue and Ryan's lifeless state, making her heart ache more than she intended.
She walked over to Catherine and gently tapped her shoulder.
