Chapter 194 - Threshold

Noah

The fluorescent lights overhead flickered as we were escorted out of the hospital room. My hands were shaking as I held Neil close.

“We’re so sorry you had to witness that,” one of the nurses said softly, her eyes filled with sympathy. "Why don’t you all go home and get some rest? You’ve been here all night. We’ll call you as soon as we have news."

I didn’t want to leave. Don stood silent beside me. His face was etched with worry, but his words were steady. “Noah, you need to take Neil home. He’s exhausted. I’ll stay. There’s not much more you can do right now.”

I looked at my little boy, his small hand clutching mine. His eyes were red from crying but still wide with worry. “Okay,” I whispered, barely trusting my voice. “But call us immediately if anything changes.”

As we walked toward the elevator, every step felt heavier. How could this be happening? Just a day ago, we were baking together, laughing over family recipes. Now, the thought of Evelyn fighting for her life in the I