Chapter 11: In the Safe Ward**
The sterile white walls of the federal hospital room felt strangely peaceful. Julian woke up with his arm strapped in a sling, the morning sun streaming warmly across his bed.
Sitting by the window was Leo, carefully peeling an orange. Scott was resting in an armchair, the heavy exhaustion of a decade finally washing away from his posture.
"You're awake," Leo said, offering a slice of fruit with a bright grin.
May you like
Julian pushed himself up, feeling the soreness in his shoulder, but an overwhelming lightness in his soul. "I am. Thanks to you, partner."
---
