The call came just as I was about to leave the hospital room. Dad had finally fallen asleep, his breathing steady, the faint beeping of the monitors blending into the muted chaos beyond the door. My phone vibrated in my pocket, the sound sharp and intrusive in the quiet. I pulled it out, expecting a text or maybe a check-in from Rhys, but the screen displayed an unknown number.
I hesitated for a second before answering. “Hello?”
“Kyle?” The voice on the other end was calm but carried a distinct edge of professionalism. “This is Officer Ramirez from the Police Department. I’m calling regarding your father.”
The air in my lungs seemed to vanish as I clutched the phone tighter. “Is he okay?” I asked quickly, my voice sharper than I intended.
“Your father’s condition hasn’t changed,” Offic
