Chapter 141

Ramon POV

The next morning brought a cautious optimism I hadn’t felt in days. Ollie was awake. Confused and traumatized, yes, but awake and coherent enough to recognize people, to communicate, to show signs of the boy we all knew and loved.

I’d spent the night in a chair beside Lake’s cot, watching both of them sleep, ready to jump up at the first sign that either of them needed me. Lake had held Ollie’s hand all night, even in sleep, like he was afraid if he let go, Ollie might disappear again.

Around seven in the morning, Elena appeared with food—actual home-cooked food, not hospital cafeteria offerings. She’d somehow managed to access the hospital’s kitchen facilities and had made Ollie’s favorite: chocolate chip pancakes with strawberries.

“He needs to eat,” she’d said firmly, setting down the tray. “And so do you two. When was the last time either of you had a proper meal?”

I couldn’t remember. Days, maybe. Time had become fluid and meaningl