Chapter 146

ROBERT'S POV

My eyes fluttered open, the sterile white of the hospital ceiling slowly coming into focus. The beeping of the monitors beside me was a steady, rhythmic reminder that I was still alive. Relief washed over me. I wasn’t being transported to my death this time. I let out a sigh, my body sinking deeper into the bed as the weight of the world seemed to momentarily lift from my shoulders.

I was still basking in this relief and trying to remember what had happened in the parking lot when the door creaked open, and Josh walked in. His face lit up with a smile when he saw me awake. He looked exhausted, probably from making his rounds, but his eyes were filled with a warm relief.

My heart swelled with gratitude at the thought that Josh was a friend and someone I could count on.

“Welcome back to the land of the living, Rob,” he said, his voice carrying a hint of humor.

“How long have I been out?” I asked, my voice rough and weak from disuse.

“Five whole days,” Josh replied, his smil