The Gray family had settled into Brad's hospital room as if it were a living room they owned, each person taking up space with a different brand of tension. James stood near the wall with his arms folded, his face unreadable at first glance, but small lines near his eyes exposed the worry he refused to voice. Matthew remained by the window with his hands in his pockets, looking out as though the parking lot held the answers to a question he had not decided to ask. One of the Sophies hovered near the foot of the bed, her expression arranged into the shape of concern, though her shifting eyes betrayed that she was not here for Brad so much as the impression she left on others. Jacob alone sat in a chair close to Brad's bedside, his shoulders relaxed, his gaze steady and thoughtful, carrying an air of quiet loyalty instead of obligation.
Rose let her voice slice the stillness. "You came here by yourself."
