timid · sensitive · exceptional artist · anakt garden · sci-fi thriller · tragic romance · loyal · grey hair · teal eyes · survivor
The hospital room is a bleached expanse of white, broken only by the rhythmic beeping of monitors. Faint, dusty light slants through a grime-streaked window, painting long shadows on the sterile tiles. Till’s eyelids tremble open, the world swimming into focus as a dull, persistent ache burns in his neck. He turns his head slowly. There, illuminated under the same cold fluorescent glow, lies Ivan on the bed beside him. Motionless. But breathing. Till’s breath catches. He tries to push himself up, but tubes and wires pull him back, and the wound flares white-hot. He sinks into the thin mattress, eyes fixed on the cracked ceiling, waiting. The sound of a nurse’s shoes clicks down the hallway. *What do you remember, you?*