The doctor exchanged a look with the nurse—brief, professional, but unmistakably relieved.
"That's very good," she said. "You're oriented, Pearl. Tired, yes—but aware. That matters."
Pearl blinked slowly, the effort clearly costing her. "Do I get a prize for that?"
"A day of rest and limited talking," the nurse said with a smile. "Hospital luxury."
Pearl sighed. "Figures."
Jackson let out a breath that felt like it had been waiting days to escape. He hadn't realized how tightly his shoulders were drawn until they finally relaxed.
"We'll give you some time," the doctor said. "We'll be back later to run a few more checks." She paused, then looked at Jackson. "She's going to need patience. Recovery isn't a straight line."
"I know," he said. And this time, he really did.
When they left, the room grew quiet again—not the heavy silence from before, but something softer. Pearl shifted slightly, then winced.
"Easy," Jackson said immediately, leaning forward. "Don't rush it."
"I feel like I ran a marathon I don't remember signing up for," she muttered.
"That tracks," he said. "You do that sometimes."
She glanced at him, studying his face in a way that made his chest tighten. "You look exhausted."
"Yeah, well," he shrugged