One morning, I wake to the soft glow of dawn filtering through my bedroom curtains, casting a gentle light across the room. My phone buzzes on the nightstand, the sound cutting through the quiet stillness. I reach over, my fingers brushing against the cool surface as I pick it up. A message from Drew lights up the screen.
"Hey Kyle, just letting you know I’m heading to the hospital for a follow-up checkup. Don’t worry, it’s just routine. Talk to you later."
I read the message a few times, a gnawing doubt settling in my chest. Drew had mentioned follow-up checkups before, but something about the timing felt off. I push the thought aside, telling myself that it's just my worry talking. I try to go about my day, but the feeling lingers like a shadow.
The hours pass in a blur of mundane act
