Then, glancing over at Mitchel with a peculiar expression, she continued, "They've made things so hard for my dear son. I can't just let that slide!"

Catalina took a seat on the edge of Mitchel's bed and sighed. "Oh, my dear son, I feel so sorry for you. It's the first time you've been hurt this badly."

Mitchel was about to reassure her that he was okay, but Catalina interrupted by grabbing her phone to take a photo. She even coaxed him into forming a heart shape with their hands.

“Mom, what are you doing?" Mitchel asked, feeling resigned.

Catalina wiped away a tear and replied with a blend of sorrow and resolve, “This moment is precious. Let me capture it."

Without a word, Mitchel watched as his mother, slightly overbearing, set the privacy of the post to only herself and typed: "My dear son, seriously injured for the first time. It's heartbreaking."

Then, she pressed the post button.

Mitchel was speechless, uncertain about Catalina's next move if she lingered. He quickly said, "Really, I'm fine now. You can go home. I don't need anyone to watch over me. Please check on grandpa for me."

Catalina, with a sense of acceptance, replied, "It looks like my son has really grown up." She dabbed at her tears and said, "It seems you don't need your mother anymore." As she spoke, she gently took Ariana's hand and gave it a reassuring pat. “I'm leaving my son in your care then."

Ariana responded, “Okay, no problem. Don't worry; I'll look after him."

Catalina nodded in approval. Just as she was about to leave, something came to mind, and she turned back to say seriously, "By the way, we haven't told Mitchel's grandfather about this yet. Please keep it between us. He's getting on in years, and I worry about how he might take the news.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

After a sorrowful glance at Mitchel, Catalina left.

After Catalina had left the room, Ariana walked to Mitchel's bed and offered, "I'll get some fruit ready for you. Just relax here and try not to move too much."

"Okay," Mitchel replied.

Once Ariana had gone, only Holden and Mitchel were left in the spacious ward.

One stood while the other rested against the bed, both remaining silent.

The tension in the room was palpable. It was clear that Holden had something on his mind, but after a long pause, he merely managed to say, “Thank you."

"You're welcome," Mitchel responded swiftly, and then silence enveloped the room again. Clearly, neither of them knew how to continue the conversation, making the atmosphere awkward once more.

During the silence, Holden appeared uncertain about whether to sit or stand, echoing Mitchel's discomfort.