The hours dragged on, and by midday, Fabio appeared carrying a paper bag and a neatly folded change of clothes draped over his arm. His expression left no room for refusal.

“Sir, you need to eat something and change.”

Dante barely turned his head.

“I’m not hungry.”

“This isn’t just about hunger, sir. Do you really think she’ll want to see you like this when she wakes up?”

Dante narrowed his eyes, exhaling with impatience.

“I’m not leaving her alone.”

“You won’t. I’ll stay here.”

Fabio set the b