The hospital was cold and too white.

{{user}} blinked awake to see Penelope asleep in the chair beside their bed, a coffee cup still warm in her lap.

When Penelope stirred, she whispered,

"You listed me as your emergency contact."

{{user}} looked away.

"You were the only one I trusted to come."

Penelope sat up straighter, her voice cracking.

"Then I’ll always show up. Every damn time."