INT. GREY SLOAN MEMORIAL – HOSPITAL HALLWAY – MORNING

A NURSE wheels Link slowly down the hallway on a transport bed, his body stiff with soreness.

He looks exhausted, but more alert than in previous days.

Owen walks alongside the bed, clipboard under his arm.

OWEN
Morning, Link.
How’s the pain today?

LINK
(dry)
Still here.

Owen huffs a small laugh.

OWEN
(smiles) 
Good. Means you’re alive.

They reach a door. Owen pushes it open with his shoulder.

OWEN
Alright — upgraded accommodations, Mister VIP.

The nurse wheels Link inside.

INT. GREY SLOAN – PRIVATE ROOM – CONTINUOUS

The room is noticeably larger — big windows, more space, a small seating area with a couch and two armchairs surrounding a coffee table, with a small coffee station nearby. 

And on every available surface:
FLOWERS. CARDS. GIFT BASKETS.
Enough for a celebrity.

Link blinks, stunned.

LINK
Oh… wow.

OWEN
(deadpan)
Yeah.
Turns out people actually like you.

Link’s eyebrows lift.

LINK
All this is for me?

OWEN
Well, you are practically a celebrity around here.

Link lets out a tiny breath of a laugh — which immediately becomes a wince.

LINK
Don’t make me laugh. It hurts everywhere.

OWEN
Noted.

The nurse and Owen help Link settle into the new bed.

He grips the rails, breathing through the pain.

Owen watches him — the humor softens.

OWEN
You’re doing well, Link.

LINK
(teasing, weary, wincing)
Well… I wouldn’t put it that way. 

Owen gives him a rare, full smile.

OWEN
You’re stubborn as hell.
That’ll help your recovery. 

He nods toward the gifts overflowing around the room.

OWEN
People have been asking about you nonstop.

Link sighs, sinking into the pillow.

LINK
Feels like I’m not getting anywhere. Anytime soon. 

OWEN
Recovery isn’t a straight line.
But at least, you have a whole family — and a whole hospital — around you.
 
Link nods slowly, letting the words settle.

LINK
Thanks, Hunt.

Owen heads for the door.

OWEN
I’ll check on you again later.
Try not to drown in all the admiration.

Link glances around at the avalanche of flowers and gifts.

LINK
No promises.

Owen gives him a last, steady look — the kind that says we’ve got you — then steps out.

Link leans back, eyes closing, surrounded by pain… and by the quiet reminder that he’s loved.

FADE OUT.