Chapter 174

• Six weeks had passed in a whirlwind of recovery and routine. Max's rare heart surgery—a delicate marathon of precision mapping and repair—had been a resounding success, his tiny chest rising steadily now, color returning to his cheeks.
• Max sat propped up in his bed, a bundle of energy despite the IV line snaking from his arm, his eyes glued to the TV where his favorite cartoon blared—bright explosions and goofy heroes chasing villains across the screen. Balloons bobbed in Charlotte's grip,vibrant reds and blues straining against helium strings; a bursting bouquet of daisies and ssunflowers wascradled in one arm, their fresh petals a promise of spring; and clutched in her other hhand wasa shiny new action figure from his beloved show, complete with a cape and laser sword.
• "Surprise, my brave warrior!" Charlotte beamed, her voice warm and melodic as she stepped in, hazel eyes sparkling with uncontained delight. She had called Ryan earlier, her trusted friend and confidant, to share this milestone—he'd arrived moments ago, standing supportively by her side in casual jeans and a hoodie, carrying a small get-well card from the nurses' station, his presence a steady anchor as always. Max's head whipped around, his face lighting up like a sunrise—a pale but glowing, gap-toothed grin splitting wide as recognition dawned.