Rodent passed through the hallways alone. He turned his head to cough into his arm, more coughs than he was expecting escaping. The man wheezed while grabbing his chest.

  He fell against a wall to avoid a passing group of people. His hand gripped the wall’s railing as he tried to move forward like nothing was wrong. Rodent couldn’t breathe, struggling to see. A dull soreness and pain expanded in his lungs.

  Just then, a hand touched his back, slowly and gently at first, offering a rub and a pat that Rodent recognized the touch of. Rodent relaxed—as did his shoulders—as he focused on loosening and breathing.

  “It’s alright,” said a woman in a calming voice. “I’ve gotcha.”

  “H-Heh.” Rodent was hunched over, nearly sweaty, breathing as much as he could through his strained nose—the rest of the operation carried through his back. Slowly, air filled his lungs, and he started to straighten. “T-Thanks, Sophie.”

  “Y’know you can ask for help, right?”

  “I-It’s… alright.” Rodent pushed off the wall and away from the hand but turned to the person it belonged to. His face and little nod were sincere. “J-Just… a sudden episode.”

  Sophie looked concerned. “Are you okay, Rodent?”

  Rodent struggled to swallow, seeming distant but nodding anyway.

  “Still on those pills?”

  “Mhm.”

  “Well… alright.” The nurse retracted her hand. “They better be keeping you alive. You’ve got more gray hair than me.” She smiled. “And how old are you again? Twenty?”

  Rodent blinked at the ground. “I feel older than that.”

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  “Maybe you’re the sort that feels younger as they get older.”

  “People like that exist?”

  “No.” The nurse’s head shook with a smile. “But I figured I’d make something up to make you feel better.”

  Rodent’s smile wasn’t as strong as hers. “Thanks.”

  “But can I get you anything to actually make you better? Water? Somewhere to sit?”

  “No need.” Rodent stood properly. “Just… pushed myself a little too hard.”

  “Just because you’re released doesn’t mean—“

  Rodent raised a hand, nodding. “I know.”

  The nurse sighed.

  But Rodent laid a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’m still just finding my groove. I’ll survive.”

  The nurse hummed, smiling. “And have you done anything besides coming to the hospital? Beyond conquering fake dragons?”

  Rodent pressed his lips tightly together and smiled.

  The nurse slumped. “Look. I shouldn’t be one to speak. Not after everything you’ve been through. But…”

  She breathed.

  “But… not many walk out of here again… not after how long you’ve been here.” She swallowed. “I’m not saying you’re wasting your second chance. But, at the same time…”

  Rodent glanced away.

  “Have you thought about making a list?” The nurse sounded hopeful. “Things you’ve always wanted to do?” She pulled out a spare pocketbook and pencil. “Here. Take this..”

  Rodent looked and hesitantly took it.

  “Just…take a moment… and really consider what you want.” The nurse backed away. “No matter how silly or foolish. Write everything. See what comes out.” She nodded. “Then do them.”

  Rodent looked listlessly at the notebook. His eyes immediately darted to his right hand. He touched and turned the ring on his finger. He went back to looking at the notebook.

  “Okay.”

  The nurse smiled. “Now raise that head of yours.” Rodent did so to see the kind lady turning away. “Children grow up. They’ll want to hear about real adventures soon. Not just the ones inside your head.”

  Rodent smiled.

  “Right.”