Following the unsaid

Collins’ POV

Dragging Alexander through the hospital doors isn’t exactly how I envisioned spending my morning, but I made up my mind—I’m not letting him dodge his check-up again. Ever since he got discharged, he’s been finding every excuse not to come. Says his hand doesn’t hurt that much anymore. But I’ve caught him more than once subtly wincing when he thinks no one’s watching. Just the slightest twitch, his hand curling like it’s aching beneath the skin. Yeah, no excuse this time.

And now that he’s been a little full of life lately—thanks to patching things up with his mom—I figured this is the best time to get him to start taking his health seriously too.

“Come on, dude,” Alexander groans beside me, his voice lazy with protest. “Do we have to do this today? My hand’s already healing, and besides, the doctor gave me some meds the last time I was here.”

I shoot him a look. That look that says: Don’t even try me. The kind that’s quiet but immovable, like a wall he’