Chapter 105

The sterile white walls of the hospital seemed to press down on Vincent as he shuffled behind Ramsey and Austin, their laughter bouncing off the polished floor. Outside, the late afternoon sun casts long shadows, promising the freedom Vincent craved.

"That's crazy, you know," Austin cackled, nudging Ramsey with his elbow. "Just leave him there. He'd probably start talking to pigeons again."

Ramsey slapped Austin on the back, a booming laugh erupting from his chest. "Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised. Vincent, the pigeon whisperer."

Vincent rolled his eyes, a familiar warmth blooming in his chest despite their teasing. "So, you're saying I've always been a couple of fries short of a happy meal? That I've always been crazy, yeah?"

Ramsey grinned, a playful glint in his eyes. "Everyone knows that. Vinnie and Trouble, 5&6. You're our resident nutter."

The playful banter felt foreign after weeks of IV drips and endless beeping monitors. Vincent winced as he remembered the metallic tang of bloo