POV: Jay
The final checkup was… surprisingly anticlimactic.
The doctor moved efficiently, checking my leg, asking questions, doing that calm professional nod doctors do that somehow means everything and nothing at the same time.
"So," I said casually, "on a scale of one to 'still trapped in this hospital forever,' how am I doing?"
She smiled. Respectful. Amused. Professional.
"You're doing well, Jay. Very well."
My inner voice did a victory lap.
She adjusted her glasses. "Any pain when you walk?"
"Only emotional pain when I see hospital food," I replied.
She laughed. Actual laughter. I considered this my greatest achievement of the day.
After a few final instructions and one last reminder not to act like I was invincible, she stepped aside. "You're cleared for discharge."
If I had a theme song, it would've started playing right there.
I thanked her, promised to behave. That promise was flexible.
I stepped out into the hallway, feeling lighter with every step. My leg held up fine, which felt like a personal miracle.
Then I stopped.
Because standing near the window, arms folded, looking way too calm for a hospital corridor, was him.
Blue eyes.
My brain short-circuited for half a second.
"…Blue eyes?" I said out loud.
He turned, eyebrows lifting slightly. "I'm Percy," he corrected. "Not Blue Eyes."
I blinked. "Wow. That's disappointing. I already named you."
He smiled, just a little. "How's your leg?"
I glanced down, then back up. "Still attached. So I'd say we're winning."
My inner thoughts whispered: Why does he keep appearing like a side quest character?
We talked briefly. I asked where he disappeared to at the airport.
"Got pulled away," he said vaguely. "Things got… messy."
Of course they did. Nothing about this guy felt simple.
Before I could ask more, I felt a familiar presence behind him.
Aries.
I turned immediately. "Hey."
When I looked back again, Percy was already stepping away down the hall.
Aries frowned slightly. "Who was that?"
I turned fully, pointing behind me. "He's—"
Gone.
Just… gone.
I stared at the empty space, then let my hand fall. "Wow. He really commits to disappearing."
Aries crossed his arms. "Jay."
"He's just lost," I said quickly. "Probably looking for directions. Or purpose. Or a vending machine."
Aries clearly didn't believe me, but after a moment, he nodded. "If you say so."
We didn't talk about it again.
Back in my room, I packed my things. There wasn't much. Hospitals don't give you many souvenirs worth keeping.
As I zipped my bag, I took one last look around.
No more machines. No more waiting. No more pretending I was okay when I wasn't.
I was leaving.
And for now, that was enough 🌱