Arthur didn’t dare think too deeply. If Ashley had never appeared in his life, maybe it would’ve been easier. But she had. She had brought warmth into his world, had shown him what it meant to feel truly alive. And now, to lose her again—it was more painful than death. All Arthur could do was pray. Over and over again, in his heart, he begged the heavens for mercy. He had already suffered more than enough in this lifetime. He silently pleaded for one thing—please, just let them live. If Ashley and Taylor could survive, he was willing to give up everything else he had. Maybe heaven really did hear him, because suddenly, the doors of the emergency room burst open. A young nurse came rushing out, nearly breathless with excitement. “We saved them! We saved them! They’re alive!” Her voice exploded in everyone’s ears like fireworks. The group jumped up, running toward her. Their hands trembled as they grabbed her arms, eyes wide. “They’re alive? They’re okay? Ashley and Taylor… they’re okay?” The nurse’s joy stalled for a moment when she saw the desperation on their faces. After hesitating for a second, she nodded. “Yes… they both made it.” The moment the words left her mouth, everyone broke down in tears of joy. They clasped their hands together in gratitude, crying out to the heavens. “Thank God… thank God they’re okay! They’re finally okay!” For the past three days, it hadn’t just been Arthur. Every single person waiting outside that door had been silently praying, begging whatever power there was to let Ashley and Taylor walk out alive. But Wind noticed the nurse’s hesitation. He asked carefully, “Nurse… is there something else?” Everyone turned toward her again, their eyes still filled with hope—but now tinged with unease. The nurse glanced at the group and looked away, clearly reluctant to speak. But they would find out sooner or later. After a long pause, she said quietly, “Ashley sustained damage to her central nervous system. She might… she might never walk again. She may have to spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair.” It was like a thunderclap. Arthur froze. His voice was hoarse. “Is there… is there any chance she could recover?”The nurse slowly shook her head. “The doctors said it’s extremely unlikely. Almost no chance.” Nancy swayed where she stood, nearly collapsing. She had no idea what to do or how to react. Spencer caught her quickly. “At least she’s alive. As long as she’s alive, there’s still hope.” Natalie jumped in to help steady her. “Right! As long as she’s still here, there’s hope.” “The doctor said almost no chance. That means there’s still a little. If we stay with her, support her, she’ll get better. She will.” Her words were meant for Nancy—but also for herself. Arthur asked again, barely able to speak, “What about Taylor?” In these past three days, Toby and Tricia’s hair had turned completely white. They looked at least ten years older. Their backs were hunched, their faces aged and hollow. They held onto each other for support. If Arthur hadn’t asked, they might never have found the courage. They were afraid. Afraid that the joy they’d just felt would be ripped away again. But no matter what the truth was—if he was still alive, that was enough. The nurse looked at the two frail, heartbroken parents and sighed. “Taylor’s out of immediate danger. But… he hasn’t woken up. And the doctor…” She hesitated, looking at their pleading eyes. She couldn’t bring herself to finish the sentence. Toby closed his eyes. His voice was low and shaky. “What did the doctor say?” The nurse took another deep breath. “They said he may… he may be in a vegetative state.” “What!” “A… a vegetative state?” Tricia collapsed to the floor, unable to stand. Toby stumbled and nearly fell as well. Arthur quickly caught him. Natalie rushed to help Tricia up. The two hunched, grief-stricken elders began to sob again, their faces crumpled in disbelief. “Vegetative state… vegetative state…” they murmured, as if saying it would somehow change the meaning. Arthur felt like his heart was being crushed in someone’s fist. The pain was sharp and suffocating. He forced out the words. “When… when will he wake up?”The nurse shook her head. “The doctors said his injuries are far too severe. The fact that he survived at all is a miracle.” “They don’t know when—if ever—he’ll regain consciousness. Maybe in three to five years. Maybe ten. Maybe never.” She couldn’t bear to keep looking at their devastated expressions, so she turned and went back into the ER. The doctors were still working inside. They had just sent her out first to deliver the news.