The hospital hallways were quieter now, dimmed for the night, with only the low hum of machines and muffled voices behind closed doors. Damien walked through them with the calm of someone who belonged there, even though he didn't.
"Mr Cross," a nurse stopped him. "Where to?"
"I'm here for Ryan Hastings," Damien said, his hands crossed behind his back.
"Mr Cross, visiting hours are over." She said trying to hide a blush.
"I know that but…come on." Damien smiled sheepishly.
She glanced around the hallway, making sure no one was watching.
"Okay, I can give you 30 minutes. Room 212."
"Thank you." He said giving her a wink.
When he reached Room 212, he paused.
Ryan was alone. The lights were low but bright enough to see across his bruised face. He lay half-propped up, bandages still fresh, IV hooked to his arm, but his eyes were open. Barely.
Damien opened the door slowly, quiet enough not to be heard. Ryan sat up as soon as he heard the slight creek of the door.
