CHAPTER 150

VISITING HOURS

Clara stood still, like everyone else in the waiting room. Patrícia had entered the emergency room with the doctors, and it was only after twenty agonising minutes that she came out to deliver the news that Lara was stable but still in intensive care.

Lara had been admitted to the ICU and would remain there until she improved.

"Thank you for bringing her to the hospital, Patrícia," Megan expressed her gratitude.

"She is in an excellent hospital and well taken care of. There is nothing we can do for her now, folks. I suggest everyone goes home and waits for news," the psychologist advised, and everyone nodded in agreement.

Only Lipe and Murilo stayed behind, refusing to leave until Lara was out of the ICU.

The friends departed, and Murilo and Lipe were left alone. They sat side by side, not exchanging a word for over an hour. Other people also awaited news about their loved ones and sat in the waiting room, speaking quietly to each other or on their phones. An elderly wo