Chapter 196

• A nurse bustled into Charlotte's room, pushing a cart laden with dressings and antiseptic. "Mr. Carter, I need to clean and redress her wounds. Could you step out for a few minutes?"
• Howard nodded wearily, squeezing Charlotte's hand one last time before rising. "Yeah, of course." He shuffled into the hallway, the door clicking shut behind him, leaving him alone with his swirling thoughts.
• Ryan approached, concern etching his face. "Hey, man—is Charlotte awake yet?"