Chapter 8

A week later, I finally passed the critical phase and was transferred from the hyperbaric oxygen chamber to a regular ward. The doctor said my recovery was better than expected. There was no obvious permanent damage to my nervous system, and the frostbitten areas were improving as well. With continued observation and treatment, I would be able to leave the hospital soon. That afternoon, George came to visit and brought some news. "Julian and Bianca have requested to see you. It seems like they're hoping to obtain your forgiveness to argue for a lighter sentence. If you don't want to see them, I'll decline right away." I hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Let's go. There should be an end to this." … The visitation room was colder than I had imagined. Thick glass separated the two worlds. Julian was brought in first. He wore the standard uniform, his face pale. All traces of his former confidence were gone, replaced by haggard anxiety. The moment he saw me, tears flooded his e