Chapter 249: A Change Is Happening

OLLIE   For the first time since Andy's revelations had destroyed our family, I saw real emotion on my brother's face. Hope, excitement, desperate need -- all the feelings the medication had been suppressing came flooding back as he processed what this meant.   Dad was already making a U--turn, his movements sharp and efficient as he navigated back toward the hospital. "They want us there," he said. "If Lake is regaining consciousness, having familiar faces nearby could help orient him."   The drive back felt eternal despite Dad pushing the speed limit. I watched Riley press his face against the window, his entire body tense with anticipation and anxiety. This was the most engaged I'd seen him in weeks, and it was all because of Lake.   I tried not to feel jealous of his unconscious friend, tried not to resent the fact that Lake could still reach my brother in ways that none of us could. But it stung to see Riley so animated about someone else's welfare when he could barely acknowledge