Bill retrieved his medical bag, pausing to shoot Aaron a heavy, meaningful look. Aaron caught the silent cue with a sharp nod, rising immediately to follow his brother out.
In the living room, Leonard, Thomas, and Liam sat in tense, expectant silence. The moment the bedroom door clicked open, the rich, pungent aroma of simmering medicine billowed into the apartment—a thick, earthy fragrance laced with a sharp undertone of bitterness.
All three men looked up, startled.
"Finished already?" Leonard asked, pushing himself up from the sofa.
Bill nodded. "There's nothing more I can do for now. Just make sure he takes the decoction the moment it's ready."
Suzy turned to Leonard and Thomas, her voice steady but exhausted.
"Uncle Leonard, Thomas, please stay here and keep an eye on Derek. I'll walk the doctor downstairs."
Leonard opened his mouth, a protest lingering on his lips, but he caught sight of Liam standing up to join them and swallowed his words.
