Chapter 72

• The hospital room was quiet, save for the soft beeping of monitors and the faint rustle of the curtains swaying under the cool air conditioning. Danielle sat at Theo’s bedside, her hand gently clasping his tiny fingers. Even in sleep, her son’s grip was strong, as though he knew she needed reassurance more than he did.
• Her heart still hadn’t calmed since last night. The memory of Theo disappearing, the hours of dread that followed, and then the sight of him finally safe in her arms—it all played over and over in her mind like a nightmare she couldn’t wake from.
• Alexander stood a few steps away, his tall frame casting a shadow across the room. He hadn’t left since they brought Theo in, pacing the hallway until he’d been allowed inside. Now, he leaned against the wall, silent, his sharp eyes softening every time they fell on Theo.