Chapter 160

Aiden's eyelids fluttered, and the world gradually swam into focus. The sterile scent of the hospital room filled his nose, and the soft beep of machines provided a rhythmic background to his returning consciousness. The events leading up to his current state seemed distant and fragmented, like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle he was struggling to put together.

As his vision cleared, he found his grandfather sitting by his bedside. A smile stretched Aiden's face. Movements caused his grandfather to look up from his book, his eyes filled with relief as he saw Aiden waking up. With a steady hand, he reached out and pressed the call bell above Aiden's bed.

"I'm so glad you are awake. Oh, I have been worried sick about you! The doctors said your chances of survival were slim, but I was certain that the boy I and your ma raised was stronger than that."

Within moments, the door swung open, revealing a trio of medical personnel entering the room. They wore matching white coats, their expressions, a