The hospital's parking lot was unusually quiet for a weekday morning. Felix parked his car in one of the reserved spots, unfastened his seatbelt, and leaned back in his seat for a second.
He dragged a hand through his hair, exhaling slowly.
Okay. Deep breath. No panic. No fake smiles. Just family.
The moment he stepped out, he spotted his parents just arriving. His mother waved as she got out of the passenger seat, her high heels clicking against the pavement as she approached. His father, hands tucked into the pockets of his beige coat, nodded with quiet familiarity.
"Felix," his mother said, coming closer. "You made it."
"Of course," Felix replied, returning the brief hug she gave him. "You think I'd let you visit Grandpa alone?"
His father clapped a hand on his shoulder, firm and brief. "Good man."
