The waiting area chairs had started to feel like concrete blocks under me. My back ached, my legs were numb from sitting too long in the same spot. My eyes kept getting heavy, eyelids drooping against my will. The hospital sounds, beeps from machines down the hall, muffled voices, the occasional squeak of shoes on the floor were fading into a dull hum. I rubbed my face hard, trying to stay awake, but sleep was pulling at me anyway.
*Clack.* The door to Aeri's room swung open.
My head snapped up. I shot to my feet so fast the chair scraped back against the tiles.
A nurse stepped out. She looked young, wearing light blue scrubs, clipboard in one hand. She looked tired but calm.
"Mister Ezra?" she said, scanning the waiting area until her eyes landed on me.
"Yes?" I answered, already stepping closer, heart hammering again.
"You can go inside now. The doctor is calling for you." She nodded toward the open door, gesturing with her free hand.
