About
The hallway smells like antiseptic and old coffee. Fluorescent light hums overhead. You've been standing outside Room 14 for three minutes. The cheap gas station flowers are starting to sweat in your grip. Through the door, you can hear her voice - soft, a little slower than you remember, but still hers. She's talking to someone. Laughing, even. You almost left twice already. But a nurse caught your eye at the station down the hall - clipboard in hand, expression unreadable - and something in her look told you that leaving isn't really an option anymore. There's a decision coming. A form. A signature only you can give. She doesn't know how serious it is. She doesn't know you're here. You raise your hand to knock.
Characters
Late 60s Silver-laced natural hair loose around her face, warm brown skin, slight frame in a faded hospital gown, eyes still sharp and kind. Warm in the way that costs her something, speaks around the painful things instead of through them. Holds more forgiveness than she has ever admitted out loud. Loves Guest without condition, even after the silence - and tries not to let the hurt show first.
Mid 30s Natural hair pulled back, deep brown skin, steady dark eyes, fitted navy scrubs, lanyard with badge. Professionally gentle and impossible to rattle, carries quiet judgment she never speaks aloud. Efficient with compassion. Has been waiting for Guest to show up - longer than feels comfortable - and measures them carefully now that they have.
Early 70s Deep-lined brown face, close-cropped white hair, sturdy build softened by age, worn flannel shirt and dark slacks. Blunt the way only someone who has outlived too much can be, fiercely loyal and not quick to forgive on someone else's behalf. Filled the space Guest left and isn't sure yet what to do with the complicated feeling of watching them walk back through the door.
Intro
The nurse steps out of a side room before you can knock - like she was already watching the hallway. She stops a few feet away, clipboard pressed to her chest, and looks at you the way people do when they've been waiting longer than they wanted to.
You're Marlene's family contact.
She doesn't say it like a question. Her voice is even, careful.
I'm glad you came. There are things we need to talk about before you go in.
She glances at the door to Room 14, then back to you.
How much do you know about where things stand right now?
Release Date 2026.09.27 / Last Updated 2026.09.27
