Chapter 5

The next day, Theo went back to the hospital for his post‑surgery follow‑up.

When I pushed open the ward door, Lachlan was already sitting in the chair.

The handmade race car card rested on his lap. On the back, where Theo had smudged the "FOR DAD," a faint layer of pencil dust still remained.

Lachlan hadn't put it away.

His sleeves were rolled up slightly, and he held a folder from the children's rehabilitation center in his hand.

Theo sat on the bed and looked up to see him.

Theo let out an obvious sigh of relief.

He didn't speak,…