It took a few more days before Hiro was finally discharged from the hospital. Cass insisted on strict bedrest to allow his leg to heal properly. Hiro itched to get up and resume his search for Tadashi, but he knew that any further injury could jeopardize his chances of finding his brother.

Fear gnawed at him—fear that GoGo might expose his lie, that Cass would catch on, that the men who had attacked him might come after him again. Most of all, he feared that he wouldn't find Tadashi in time. If those men were willing to kill him, what could they be doing to Tadashi?

Cass tiptoed into his room, her voice soft and cautious. "Hiro? Are you awake, sweetie?"

"Yeah," Hiro replied, propping himself up slowly and wincing from his bruised ribs.

"Don't overexert yourself," Cass said, sitting on the edge of his bed. She gently stroked his hair as her eyes fell on his cast. "The thought of someone hurting you... I can't handle it. Do you remember anything else from that night?"

Hiro shook his head. "No, just what I told you. I was looking for Tadashi, even though you told me to stop. Then these men attacked me. I don't remember anything after that." He lied, carefully omitting details that didn't fit his story.

Cass sighed and handed him a cup of water she had brought up. "Do you have any idea why they would target you?"

Hiro took a sip, setting the cup down. "No..." He averted his gaze, adding a touch of nervousness to his voice, hoping it would mask his deceit.

"Sweetheart, you can tell me."

Hiro maintained his innocent facade. "Maybe I was close to finding Tadashi this time..."

Cass sighed deeply. Before she could respond further, Hiro laid back down and pulled the blanket over his head.

"Fine, don't believe me. I don't care."

In truth, Hiro desperately wanted her to believe that Tadashi was alive. He knew it was true—he had proof. But for now, faith had to be enough to save his big brother.

I love you, Tadashi. I'm coming to save you.

Cass left.

Good riddance.