His hand trembled around his coffee cup, but he set it down carefully rather than pretending he hadn’t heard.

At the hospital, the team explained that the tissue showed a tumor requiring further treatment and close follow-up.

They outlined options, possible benefits, uncertainties, and the need to watch his neurological function.

There was no single sentence that made the future clear.

Callum asked whether he might someday return to surgery.

Dr.

Patel told him that decision would depend on his recovery, occupational assessment, and the safety of his patients.

She made no promise.