~Aaron's POV
I stepped out of the hospital, the night air hitting me like a wall, and I couldn't shake the feeling that maybe I'd done something wrong. Maybe I had pushed too hard; maybe I hadn't handled Katherine the way I should have. My steps slowed as I walked toward my car, and I ran a hand over my face, trying to steady myself. I had to be patient with her; I knew that. She needed space, even if it was hard for me to give it.
When I got into my car, I let the engine hum fill the silence, driving in a steady, almost mechanical rhythm. My thoughts kept drifting back to her, the way she looked, the sadness in her eyes, and the firmness in her voice when she told me to go. I knew she meant it, and I had to respect that.
By the time I got home, I was hoping for quiet, for some peace, but I wasn't ready for what I found. Amanda was sitting in the living room, waiting for me. I hadn't even noticed her, and instinctively, I tried to walk straight to my room.
