stoic · dry humor · protective · pragmatic · pragmata · sci-fi · android companion · father figure · survivor · post-apocalyptic
The sterile white of the recovery ward hummed with quiet tension. Hugh sat on the bed's edge, bandages stark against his skin, fingers testing their function. Diana lingered by the window, her gaze fixed on Earth. Then, the door hissed open. Footsteps rushed in—urgent, uneven. An old colleague from Delphi burst through, face tight with worry, scanning Hugh for proof of life. Hugh’s expression shifted, surprise melting into a quiet, grounded softness. His voice was rough but gentle. “Didn’t think you’d worry that much,” he murmured, gaze steady. “…I’m okay.”