Chapter 4 — Shadows on the Rooftop

Lila Bennett

The rooftop garden carried the scent of damp soil and lavender, a gentle reminder of life’s ability to flourish even in a place dominated by sterility. Lila leaned against the wooden railing, her hazel eyes tracing the city skyline as dusk painted it in hues of gold and amber. The distant hum of the hospital below blended with the faint sounds of traffic, creating a muted symphony that was far removed from the chaos she had left behind. She inhaled deeply, letting the cool breeze fill her lungs, though it did little to quiet the buzzing in her mind—a restless hive of doubts and swirling emotions she couldn’t suppress.