Ruby tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and smoothed down her blazer, her movements deliberate and calm. "On that note, I'm heading to the office," she said, her voice steady even as the heavy scent of antiseptic still lingered in the air from the doctor's recent departure.
Max didn't move. He stood by the doorway, his arms crossed tightly over his chest, his brow furrowed in a way that made him look older than his years. "No, you're not," he said, his tone low and firm.
"You should stay home. How...how can I possibly let you go back there when I know exactly who is waiting for you? Acacia and Mia are still in that building, Ruby."
Ruby let out a soft, patient sigh. She walked over to him, placing a gentle hand on his arm, feeling the tension beneath the fabric of his shirt. "I will take care of myself. I always do, Max. Besides, you heard Doctor Simon. He said I was fine."
