The next day, Levi went to visit Everette as early in the morning as he could manage. He wanted to make time to stop by the office too, but this—this came first.
Leon had insisted that he come with Levi, and Levi, although reluctant at first, had quietly agreed. Levi had branched off to pick him up before heading to the hospital.
The hospital was quiet. Quieter than usual. The kind of hush that settled in the air when the world was still stretching awake, when night hadn’t quite let go of the morning. Even the usual scent of antiseptic felt softer, as if the building was holding its breath.
Levi stood aside as Leon approached the front desk and exchanged a few quiet words with the receptionist. Whatever he said made the woman nod and press a button. Within moments, a nurse appeared from the side door, her expression neutral but eyes sharp.
"He’s awake," she said softly as she led them down the hallway.
