The time came for Thea to be discharged. Nina, observing the scene, decided her presence was an unnecessary complication. The room was already saturated with enough awkwardness for three people, and adding a fourth would just make the fragile social dynamic collapse. It was a logical, pragmatic withdrawal.
She walked over to Kofi. "Hey, I think I'm going to head out. It's probably better if it's just you two."
Kofi looked at her and felt a sense of gratitude. "Yeah, probably. Thanks, Nina. I'll call you when we get back."
Nina gave his arm a brief squeeze. "You better. Text if you need anything." She offered Thea a small, neutral smile, which went unreturned, and then she was gone. One less variable in the equation.
The nurse approached the bed with the clipboard. "Okay, Thea. This is the last form. It just states you're agreeing to a temporary stay with Kofi." She held out a pen. "Just sign at the bottom."
