Kevin Lane closed his eyes, his voice rough. "Alright. You can leave now."

Amelia Lane lowered her head and quietly slipped out of the hospital room. She paused at the doorway for a moment, then turned back to look through the small window.

Kevin sat on the edge of the bed, hunched over with his head bowed. Right then, he looked every bit the tired old man, his back curved, hair white, and shoulders heavy with age and exhaustion.

Amelia pulled her gaze away. A faint smile played at her lips and a sharp light flashed in her eyes.

She made her way back to Dennis Lane's room.

Just a few minutes earlier, Dennis had been scarfing down his food. Now, he sat on the bed, spoon in hand, poking at his porridge with a gloomy look. Maybe he was full, or maybe Kevin's mood had rubbed off on him.

As soon as Amelia walked in, Dennis jumped off the bed and hurried over, looking up at her with wide, worried eyes. "Aunt Amelia, is Grandpa mad at me? Did I do something wrong?"

Ethan Lane glanced over, silent but clearly asking for answers.

Amelia smiled gently and ruffled Dennis's hair. "No, you didn't do anything wrong. You did great."

Actually, he'd done even better than she expected.

Dennis's face relaxed a little, but he still looked unconvinced. "Really?"

She nodded, her smile warm. “Really. I wouldn't lie to you. Go on, finish your breakfast."

Dennis brightened for a second, then shook his head. "I don't want any more. I'm already full."

"Okay,” Amelia said softly. "I'll call the doctor to check on you, then.”

She'd been careful with the sleeping pills she gave Dennis, and since he got to the hospital in time, things weren't serious. After another check-up, he'd probably get to go home.

The doctor came in, took a look at Dennis, and said he was good to be discharged.

Kevin, though, still needed to stay for observation. Normally, Amelia would have brought Dennis by to say goodbye to his grandpa before leaving but this time she decided to do things differently. She told Dennis to wait and took Ethan with her instead.

Ethan looked confused. He tugged gently on Amelia's sleeve, glancing back at

Dennis. He whispered, "Why aren't we taking Dennis with us?"

Amelia answered quietly, "It's better this way. You'll understand later."

She raised her hand and knocked on the door.

"Come in."

They stepped inside. Amelia offered a small, apologetic smile. "Grandpa, the doctor said Dennis can go home. I wanted to let you know."

Kevin set down his newspaper and looked behind them, searching for the little boy who wasn't there.

"Where's Dennis?" he asked.

Amelia's smile turned awkward, guilt

written all over her face. "Grandpa, Dennis is... a little tired. He's sti

sleeping. Ethan will carry hung out later."

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Anyone could hear the strain in her voice. Her guilty smile just made it even clearer that she was fibbing.

Kevin's eyes lingered on the doorway, still hoping for a glimpse of Dennis, but the hallway stayed empty.

Amelia called softly, "Grandpa?"

He let out a long sigh. "Alright. You two can go."