The Ultimate Return of Carlos

60

Carlos sat upright in his hospital bed, the harsh fluorescent light casting a pale glow over the room as Toby entered. His face looked better, though the bruises from his encounter with Cedric still lingered faintly. His slow movements gave away the internal struggle, but he was getting stronger— strong enough now to walk around the room without assistance. Toby watched as Carlos took tentative steps around the room, his legs sluggish but determined, his breaths labored but steady.

"Looking better, man," Toby said, offering a small smile as he grabbed a chair and sat beside the hospital bed.

Carlos chuckled weakly, nodding as he made his way back to the bed. He slumped into it with a tired sigh, wiping sweat from his brow. "Better is a relative term, but I’ll take it."

Toby’s smile faded quickly as the weight of their conversation loomed over them. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, fingers laced together. "So, what’s the plan, Carlos? When you come back to the firm?"