Chapter 31

Leroy slowly blinked as he woke up, the sterile white ceiling of the hospital coming into focus. Zoe rushed over, relief mixed with frustration in her expression. "You're finally awake!" she said, her tone sharp. "Leroy, what were you thinking, going out drinking? You know your health issues, yet you still don't take care of yourself!" Her voice wavered with anger, but Leroy didn't respond. He simply stared blankly at the ceiling, his expression devoid of emotion. "Look, I don't know what's going on with you, but you can't keep doing this," Zoe continued, her voice trembling. "If that bartender hadn't gotten you here in time... do you even realize what could've happened?" Tears welled up in her eyes, one slipping down her cheek. Leroy's voice was raspy when he finally spoke. "I need some water," he said. Zoe sighed but brought him a glass. The cool liquid soothed his parched throat, bringing a flicker of life back to him. The door to the room swung open, and his