#Chapter 131: Gray Mornings

Ava I nearly dropped the coffee cups I was holding when I saw it. There, sitting up in the middle of the hospital bed, was Degas—his eyes open and alert as he talked animatedly with Chris. “Degas,” I breathed as I ripped the curtain open. “You’re awake!” The Elder turned to me with a weary smile. “Indeed I am, my dear,” he said with a raspy chuckle. “How long was I out?” “Several hours,” Chris replied quickly. “You just collapsed in the middle of the ballroom.” “Ah.” Degas furrowed his bushy eyebrows as though he was struggling to remember the moments leading up to his accident. “I see.” Chris and I exchanged curious looks. I strode up to Chris and pressed his coffee cup in his hand, although I had already lost interest in mine and simply set it on the bedside table. “Do you remember what happened?” I asked. Degas paused, thinking for a moment, before he shook his head. “I’m afraid not. Last I remember, I was… Yes, I was talking to your neighbo