Not long after, they got down to business, popping open bottles, tearing into bags of snacks, and chatting away as the night wore on.
Rai joined in as best he could, nursing his chilled fanta while listening to Shawn reel off endless, hilarious hospital stories from his new posting.
But as the hours stretched past midnight, the heavy toll of travel, emotional exhaustion from the funeral, and Rai's strict routine of taking early evening medication began to catch up with him.
His eyelids grew heavy, and a soft, unstoppable yawn broke through his quiet laughter.
Noticing Rai's nodding head, Zade exchanged a quick look with Shawn. Together, they gently helped Rai up and guided him into the guest bedroom down the hall.
