Hazel stepped forward, her face pale but composed. "I'm his... I'm his friend."
The doctor looked at her. "Are you family?"
Hazel hesitated. Her eyes flickered for just a moment. Then she said, "I'm all he has right now."
The doctor nodded. "Stay here. We'll do everything we can."
They wheeled Dominique away.
Hazel stood in the hallway, watching the doors swing shut behind him. Her hands were trembling. Her heart was pounding. The doors closed with a soft click, and she was alone.
Bella and Leo arrived moments later, their footsteps echoing through the deserted corridor. The hospital was hushed, with the only discernible sounds being the distant machinery and the gentle beeping of monitors emanating from nearby rooms.
Bella wrapped her arms around Hazel, holding her tight.
"He's going to be okay," Bella whispered. "He's strong. He's going to pull through."
