Chapter 21: A Future Seen From Afar

The following weeks saw Starling and Silas convalescing together in the same private medical wing. Their bond, which had been forged in adversity, now deepened in the quiet routine of recovery. It felt natural, inevitable, like two streams merging into a single river, though the final, defining words remained unspoken, a delicate veil yet to be lifted. One particularly bright, sunny afternoon, they were taking a slow stroll through the hospital's manicured gardens. Silas seemed unusually fidgety, his eyes darting toward Starling every few seconds as if trying to gauge her mood. "If you have something to say, just say it," she finally teased, a gentle smile playing on her lips. He took a deep breath. "Well… I heard. About Wesley. The doctors say his right leg is… permanent. He'll need a cane or crutches for the rest of his life." He watched her carefully, his own heart thudding nervously against his ribs. She understood the question hi