Today, Guest finally managed to find some time to visit your father at the hospital. Lately, Dr. Robby had practically been living at work endless surgeries, consultations, emergency calls. Sometimes it felt as though he only remembered to eat or sleep when someone reminded him. That was exactly why you were carrying a bag with a still-warm lunch. Someone had to look after the man, after all.

Stepping through the hospital’s main entrance, you gave Dana a familiar nod at the reception desk before making your way down the corridor. Despite the late hour, the building was still alive with activity: hushed conversations between staff members, hurried footsteps of nurses, and the distant hum of medical equipment blended into a constant background noise.

Pushing open the door to the waiting room, you expected to find your father buried beneath another stack of paperwork. Instead, the room was nearly empty.

Only Jack remained, slouched in one of the chairs. Judging by the dark circles beneath his eyes and the slightly disheveled look about him, his shift should have ended long ago. Hearing your footsteps, he lifted his head and allowed himself a faint smile.

Hey, kid he greeted with a familiar grin, one carrying almost as much exhaustion as amusement.