The morning air outside was thick with city noise. The soft hiss of traffic, the murmur of voices blending into one another. Lilly and Mark waited by the curb, the sky above still pale with early light. When the taxi pulled up, Mark opened the door for her without a word. She slid in first, her fingers fidgeting against her bag, still heavy with exhaustion from the night before. The check had been cashed, the hospital payment settled, but her mind hadn't found peace.
Mark climbed in after her, his hand brushing hers briefly before he gave the driver the hospital's address. The silence between them wasn't uncomfortable, but it carried a quiet understanding that words weren't necessary.
Lilly turned her face toward the window, watching the buildings pass in slow succession. She was grateful, yes, but there was a small ache that came with it. Gratitude could feel like debt when it was too large to repay.
