When I opened my eyes, the man I had divorced was the only person still waiting.

By afternoon, the storm outside had cleared, leaving behind a crisp, cool autumn breeze that rattled the double-paned windows of Claire's new room. As promised, she had been moved out of the ICU to a step-down unit on the fourth floor. The room was slightly larger, with a view of a small courtyard garden below, though the medical equipment remained a constant reminder of her vulnerability.

Her sister, Sarah, had arrived around noon, bringing a wave of frantic, maternal energy and a fresh change of clothes for Claire. Sarah was a year older, practical to a fault, and had been the one keeping Ava and Liam fed and distracted for the past three days.

"They're doing okay, Claire," Sarah said, peeling an orange and handing a segment to her sister. "Ava is acting older than her age, trying to take care of Liam, which is her way of coping. And Liam... well, he’s built a fortress out of pillows in my living room and says no one can come in unless they have a 'medical pass.' They miss you. They want to see you."

"I want to see them too," Claire said, swallowing the orange slice. Her mouth still tasted of copper and dry plastic. "But I don't want them to be scared. My head... they shaved part of it, didn't they?"

"Just a little bit near the temple," Sarah said gently, reaching out to touch the edge of Claire’s bandage. "With your hair down, nobody will even notice. You look beautiful, Claire. A little pale, but beautiful."

Claire looked toward the door. "Where are they?"

"Ethan and Jason?" Sarah sighed, shaking her head. "They're currently occupying opposite corners of the waiting room. It's like a cold war out there. Honestly, Claire, the tension is ridiculous. Jason keeps trying to order catering for the nurses to show how generous he is, and Ethan looks like he’s ready to use Jason’s phone as a projectile."

"Did Jason really get stuck in a storm?" Claire asked, her eyes searching her sister’s face for the truth.

Sarah hesitated, placing the orange peel on a paper towel. "Well... that’s his story. But Claire, I called his office on Tuesday morning when I couldn't reach him. His secretary told me he was in Chicago, but she also mentioned he was attending a gala on Monday night. I'm not saying he didn't get stuck in Toledo, but... he didn't exactly rush to the airport on Monday afternoon when we first called."

Claire felt a cold sensation in her chest. "He stayed for the gala."

"I don't know that for sure," Sarah said quickly, seeing the distress on Claire's face. "And honestly, right now, it doesn't matter. What matters is your recovery. But... Ethan didn't hesitate. He was at his office when I called him. He left a client meeting, drove straight to the school to pick up the kids, brought them to my house, and then came here. He hasn't left since."

"I know," Claire whispered.

"He still loves you, Claire," Sarah said quietly.

"Don't," Claire pleaded, closing her eyes. "We divorced for a reason, Sarah. We spent three years screaming at each other or ignoring each other. We were toxic."

"You were exhausted," Sarah corrected. "You had two toddlers, a mortgage you could barely afford, and you were both trying to build careers from scratch. You grew apart because you stopped looking at each other. But love? I don't think that ever went away. If it had, he wouldn't be sitting in a plastic chair down the hall, looking like his entire world is in this room."

Before Claire could answer, a knock on the door interrupted them.

Jason stepped in, carrying a massive bouquet of white lilies and roses. The scent was immediate and overwhelming, filling the sterile room with a heavy, sweet perfume that made Claire's stomach turn slightly.

"Hey, beautiful," Jason said, walking over and placing the flowers on the windowsill. He leaned down and kissed her forehead, his lips cool. "How are you feeling?"

"Better," Claire said, trying to ignore the headache the strong floral scent was beginning to trigger. "Jason, those are beautiful, but... could you maybe ask the nurse to put them at the front desk? The smell is a little strong for me right now."

"Oh. Sure, of course," Jason said, his smile faltering for a fraction of a second before he recovered. "I’ll have them moved. I just wanted to brighten up the room." He turned to Sarah, offering his hand. "Sarah, thank you so much for watching the kids. I know it’s been a lot."

"They're my niece and nephew, Jason. I'm happy to do it," Sarah said, her tone polite but reserved. She stood up, smoothing her skirt. "I’m going to go grab some coffee and let you two talk. Claire, I’ll be back in a bit."

Once Sarah left, Jason sat in the chair beside the bed—the chair Ethan had occupied for three days. He took Claire's hand, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles.

"I’m so sorry about earlier," Jason said, his eyes filled with sincerity. "I shouldn't have let Ethan get to me. It's just... seeing him here, acting like he’s the primary person in your life... it’s hard, Claire. We've been together for over a year. I live at your place half the week. I want to be the one taking care of you."

"He was here because he had to be, Jason," Claire said softly. "The kids needed him. I needed someone. I was unconscious."

"I know," Jason said, looking down. "And I feel terrible about the flight delay. But I'm here now. I took the rest of the week off. I cancel all my meetings. I’m going to stay at your house, take care of Ava and Liam, and make sure everything is ready for when you come home."

He looked up, his eyes bright with a sudden idea. "In fact, I was thinking... once you're discharged, maybe you should come stay at my condo downtown. It’s closer to the hospital, and I have a doorman who can help with deliveries, and we can hire a private nurse to stay with you."

Claire stared at him, a strange feeling of alienation washing over her. "My kids are in school, Jason. Their lives are at my house. I can't just move to your condo downtown."

"Just for your recovery," Jason pushed. "It would be much easier for me to take care of you there. My office is only two blocks away, so I could pop in during lunch."

Easier for him, Claire thought. Not easier for her. Not better for the kids.

"I want to go home," Claire said firmly. "To my house. With my children."

Jason stared at her for a moment, then nodded slowly, his expression tight. "Of course. Whatever you want, babe. We’ll make it work."

He squeezed her hand, but the gesture felt hollow. Claire looked past him, through the small window in the door. Ethan was walking past, carrying his jacket. He didn't look in. He kept his eyes straight ahead, his stride purposeful as he walked toward the exit.