Adrian needed medical care, time to recover, and the reassurance that the adults around him would not demand explanations he was unable to give.
Elias arranged for a nurse to prepare a room where Adrian could remain under observation. Once the initial procedures were complete, Santiago carried him there rather than asking him to walk while he was still so tired.
The room was quiet, with a bed positioned beside a window overlooking part of the hospital grounds. A nurse explained that Adrian would be checked regularly and that someone would notify Santiago if there were any changes in his condition.
Santiago settled Adrian onto the bed, but the moment he began withdrawing his arm, the boy reached for him again.
"Stay."
Santiago looked at him.
"I'm staying."
