Page 243 of Scarbound

Dr. Daniels did not argue. “We stop here.”

Noeul stared at him as though the answer itself was difficult to understand.

Dr. Daniels continued. “We’ll decide the next step when you can take part in that decision. Unless I believe there’s an immediate danger to your life or health.”

Noeul swallowed.

Duri moved slightly closer but still didn’t touch him. “I’m here,” he said.

Noeul turned his head.

Duri was still there. So was Ji-Woo.

Noeul’s grip on the blanket loosened by a fraction.

Dr. Daniels stood. “For now, we rest.”

Noeul closed his eyes.

Dr. Daniels looked toward Duri and Ji-Woo. “I need both of you to understand something.”

Ji-Woo straightened.

The doctor kept his voice low so Noeul could hear without becoming the subject of a conversation happening above him.

“His head injury concerns me. So does the confusion. I’m also concerned about dehydration and the injuries from the assault.”

Ji-Woo’s hands curled into fists again.

Dr. Daniels noticed but continued. “His vital signs are stable right now. His pupils are equal and responding normally, his speech is clear when he answers, and he can move both sides of his body normally. There has been no vomiting or seizure since you found him, and I’m not seeing evidence of rapidly worsening neurological function.”

He looked toward Noeul. “I cannot exclude an internal injury without hospital imaging, but at this moment, I’m not seeing signs of immediate neurological deterioration.”

Duri looked at him. “So he doesn’t need the hospital?”

“That isn’t what I said.”

Duri went quiet.

“I would prefer a full hospital assessment.”

Noeul reacted immediately. “No.”

Everyone stopped.

His breathing accelerated. “No hospital.”

Dr. Daniels turned toward him. “Mr. Jung.”

“No.”

The word was stronger the second time.

Duri watched him carefully.

Dr. Daniels nodded. “All right.”

Noeul looked at him, almost suspicious.