Aurora sat at the edge of the hospital bed, her fingers wrapped gently around Edward's frail hand.
His skin was cooler than it used to be, thinner, the veins more pronounced beneath the surface. He had always been a strong man, unshakable, but time had its way of humbling even the greatest.
She got a call from him this morning, informing her that he'd love to go to his private hospital, since his health kept deteriorating.
"I brought you your favorite," she murmured, placing a small container on the bedside table. "Homemade soup. Seraphina helped."
Edward's lips twitched, his usual sharp eyes duller now but still carrying warmth when they rested on her. "Did she sneak extra salt in again?"
Aurora smiled softly. "Maybe."
Silence settled between them, not heavy, but thoughtful. The beeping machines filled the space, reminding her that time was no longer something they could take for granted.
