Theo sat at the edge of a patient’s bed, his hands folded neatly in his lap, as the quiet hum of the hospital filled the room. The world outside felt chaotic, but here, in the small town of Carthage, things moved at a slower pace—timeless, in a way. The architecture, old brick buildings and classic designs, reminded him of a world that seemed distant now, a world he used to know before everything changed. Despite the peaceful setting, the weight of the past few months hung heavy on his shoulders—healthcare struggles, the flu season nearing, and the ever-present worry of what was coming next. He glanced at the clock, wishing for the end of the shift, though even that wouldn’t bring him peace. His thoughts always drifted back to Dolly. She was waiting for him at home, and though the town may have felt familiar, nothing had truly felt like home for a long time.