Outside the sliding glass doors, a gust of cold winter rain rattled against the glass.

Ethan didn’t lift his hand from June’s back, his thumb slowly rubbing small, rhythmic circles along her spine.

Sylvia stayed seated three chairs away, staring straight at the wall clock while her winter boots tapped a fast, irritated beat on the floor tile.

She cleared her throat loudly twice, waiting for Ethan to look over at her, but Ethan kept his head turned toward June.

At 2:50 AM, the heavy double doors to the clinical exam area swung open with a soft hiss of air.