Outside the hospital room, Adler and Atlas turned their anxious eyes towards the door as it creaked open. Dr. Ray stepped out, looking a bit out of it, pushing a hospital bed draped in a spotless white sheet, hiding whoever lay beneath.
Atlas's heart sank at the sight of all that white, his eyes narrowing in disbelief as anger welled up inside him. No, this can't be real. Mr. Nick can't just be gone. This has to be some kind of sick joke.
Atlas stood there, fists clenched so tight he was almost drawing blood. Beside him, Adler felt the weight of the moment, even though he had braced himself for it. It was still a punch to the gut. He looked away, gently squeezing Atlas's shoulder.
As Dr. Ray approached with the bed, Adler rasped out, "I'm sorry for your loss."
The words hit Atlas like a ton of bricks, making him stumble back. He fought against believing it, but Dr. Ray's expression left little room for doubt.
Adler managed a pained smile, apologizing again, "I wish it wasn't true, but... we have to accept it."
Just then, Dr. Ray seemed to snap out of his own fog, looking up at Adler with confusion, "Why the condolences? The patient is still alive."
Adler was stunned, and Atlas could hardly trust his ears. They both stood there, frozen in shock, unable to speak or move.
Dr. Ray gave them a quick glance before continuing on to the patient’s room.
A minute later, Atlas found his voice and turned to look at Dr. Ray's retreating figure. "Did he just say the patient is alive? Did I hear that right?"
Mirabella gave a weak shake of her head. The effort of saving Nick had zapped her energy, leaving her barely able to speak. Her steps were unsteady, like she might collapse at any moment.
Adler, noticing her condition, quickly helped her to a nearby bench. Once she was seated, he crouched beside her, worry in his eyes. "Are you sure you're okay?"
Mirabella leaned back, eyes closed, "Just let me rest a bit."
Her voice was so hoarse it was barely a whisper. Seeing this, Adler nodded, deciding to let her be, while keeping a watchful eye on her. He was dying to know what had happened but knew now wasn't the time to ask.
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