Kylie guided Thomas through the hospital doors, the sterile scent of antiseptic sharp in his nose. His steps were slow, hesitant, almost as if moving too quickly might shatter the fragile peace that had settled over him since the courtroom. The weight of the past weeks pressed down on him, and he wasn’t sure if relief or fear dominated his chest.
“He’s doing well,” Kylie said gently, her hand brushing his arm to keep him steady. “The nurses are fantastic. He’s stable, sleeping now. But he… he’s your son, Thomas. You need to see him.”
Thomas swallowed hard. The words sounded simple enough, but the emotions roiling inside him made them feel impossible. He had imagined this moment for months — every nightmare, every hope, every uncertainty twisting together — yet reality felt different. Rea
