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~Alex's POV
I stood in the doorway for a moment, just watching. Bella was crouched beside Mia, who was wrapped in a blanket and seated in the bed. Her face lit up as she laughed at something Bella had said, her fingers playing gently with the corner of her blanket. It was surreal. Mia was awake. Alive. Laughing. Something I wasn't sure I'd ever see again.
I stepped forward and gave Mia a gentle smile. "Hey, Mia. It's really good to see you."
I introduced myself as Bella's friend.
Bella turned to me and grinned. "Give us a minute?"
"Of course," I said, giving her shoulder a small squeeze. "I'll be in Michael's office. Take your time."
As I walked back into the hospital, the sound of their laughter still echoed in my ears. It felt good. It felt right. I followed the familiar hallway, passed a few nurses who greeted me warmly, and finally reached Michael's office.
The door was slightly ajar, so I knocked lightly and pushed it open. "You in here, doc?"
