JAMES: "The garden misses you too."
Claire smiled.
For the first time in several days, she looked genuinely hopeful.
But James knew that returning home would not immediately erase the memories of the incident.
The driveway would still be there.
The plants would still be there.
And the place where she had collapsed would remain part of the house's surroundings.
He wanted to make sure she felt safe.
JAMES: "When you come home, I'll take care of everything. You don't need to work outside until you're ready."
Claire nodded.
CLAIRE: "Thank you."
James sat beside her.
He looked at the flowers Margaret had brought.
Then he looked at his mother.
JAMES: "We're going to get through this."
Claire reached for his hand.
CLAIRE: "I know."
Outside the hospital window, the evening sky slowly darkened.
The family was preparing for Claire's return.
But at the police department, the investigation was entering a new stage.
The evidence team had found additional information that needed to be examined.
And the department was preparing to make a decision that could change Ryan Cole's future.
James did not yet know what that decision would be.
Ryan did not yet know the full consequences of the investigation.
And Claire, who only wanted to return to her garden, had no idea that the next official meeting would bring another unexpected development.
For now, she rested.
James remained beside her.
And the truth about what had happened in that quiet suburban driveway was still unfolding.
The morning sunlight entered Claire Morgan's hospital room through the large windows.
For the first time in several days, she was sitting comfortably beside the bed.
Her face looked less pale, and she seemed more alert than she had been since the incident.
A small bag containing her personal belongings rested beside the chair.
James stood near the window, looking at his phone.
He had received a message from the hospital confirming that the medical team was preparing her discharge arrangements.
He looked toward his mother.
JAMES: "Mom, it looks like we're finally going home today."
Claire smiled.
CLAIRE: "I can't wait."
James laughed softly.
JAMES: "I know. You've been talking about your garden every single day."
CLAIRE: "Someone has to take care of those plants."
JAMES: "Don't worry. I'll handle everything until you're ready."
Claire shook her head.
CLAIRE: "You still don't know how much water those flowers need."
James smiled.
JAMES: "Apparently, I've been doing something wrong."
Claire laughed.
For a moment, the room felt peaceful.
But the events of the previous week were still fresh in their minds.
Claire looked toward the window.
CLAIRE: "James, have you heard anything from Sergeant Bennett?"
James nodded.
JAMES: "She called yesterday. The investigation is still ongoing."
CLAIRE: "Did she say anything about the officer?"
JAMES: "She said they're reviewing the recordings and his statements."
Claire looked down at her hands.
CLAIRE: "I don't want to spend the rest of my life worrying about what happened."
James walked toward her.
JAMES: "You won't have to. We're going to deal with this properly, and then we'll focus on getting back to normal."
Claire nodded.
CLAIRE: "I just want to feel comfortable outside my own house again."
James understood.
The driveway had always been a familiar place.
Claire had spent years walking across it, carrying gardening tools, watering plants, and greeting neighbors.
She had never imagined that standing there one afternoon would leave her frightened and injured.
James pulled the chair closer.
JAMES: "You'll get there, Mom."
A nurse entered the room carrying several documents.
NURSE: "Mrs. Morgan, the doctor has reviewed your latest results. You're doing well enough to continue recovering at home, provided you follow the instructions we've discussed."
Claire smiled.
CLAIRE: "Thank you."
The nurse explained the follow-up appointments and precautions.
She reminded Claire to avoid strenuous activity and to seek medical attention if her symptoms returned.
James listened carefully and asked a few questions.
He wanted to make sure he understood everything.
After the nurse finished, Claire signed the necessary paperwork.
James packed her belongings.
A few minutes later, they were ready to leave.
As Claire stood carefully beside the bed, James offered his arm.
CLAIRE: "I can walk."
JAMES: "I know. I'm just making sure you're comfortable."
Claire smiled.
They slowly walked toward the hospital entrance.
The automatic doors opened.
Fresh air entered the lobby.
Claire paused for a moment.
She looked outside at the parking area.
The sunlight was warm.
Cars were moving through the street, and people were going about their ordinary routines.
She took a deep breath.
CLAIRE: "It feels good to be outside again."
James nodded.
JAMES: "Let's get you home."
They walked toward the car.
For Claire, returning home was an important step.
She wanted to see her garden again.
She wanted to sit on her porch.
Most importantly, she wanted to feel that her home was once again a peaceful place.
But before they could fully move on, the department still had to complete its investigation.
And the evidence was beginning to reveal more than Ryan had initially admitted.