It's in the eyes. Always the eyes.

Chapter Twenty-eight| In Vino Veritas

                     The burly nurse glanced up from the first aid kit box with a warm smile as she caught sight of the little gathering beside Coco's bed. Penny and Crash were deep in conversation with Coco, who looked more energetic than she had in days, propped up by fluffy pillows and clearly comforted by the company of her friends. Surrounding them, four floating masks added a unique liveliness to the scene, occasionally chiming in on their chat.

Penny placed a gentle hand on Coco's shoulder, her voice soft with concern. "How are your legs? Are they still stiff?"

Coco offered a small, reassuring smile. "Just a bit. I'm getting there, though! Putyuk has been making me do these stretching exercises. Still not back to full strength, but I'm getting better."

Lani-Loli, hovering at the foot of the bed, wore a worried frown. "I overheard the locals say the snowstorm turned into a full-blown blizzard! Looks like we're stuck here until it passes," he muttered with a sigh. "Just our luck."

Kapuna-Wa floated beside him, radiating calm, her hourglass earrings gently clinking as she smiled. "Now, now, Lani-Loli, no need to stress. Everything will work out just fine!"

"Easy for you to say," he mumbled, glancing away. "You know everything." His grumbling only made Kapuna-Wa giggle.

Penny couldn't help but laugh softly, her gaze warm. "Then we'll wait," she said, her voice comforting. "Besides, I'm sure you'd let us know if anything went wrong, right, Kapuna-Wa?"

"Of course!" Kapuna-Wa replied brightly. "And I assure you, the universe isn't ending anytime soon," she teased, winking at Lani-Loli, who looked slightly more distressed.

Watching the masks banter, Penny and the others laughed, feeling their spirits lifted even as the blizzard continued to rage outside. The room was filled with warmth and lightheartedness, and Putyuk's smile grew as she continued organizing the kits, grateful to see such a tight-knit group caring for each other so deeply.

As the final first aid kit clicked into place on the shelf, Putyuk dusted her hands and turned her attention back to the small group by Coco's bed. Crash and Penny were still sitting beside her, their heads close as they chatted. Penny did most of the talking, her voice lively and warm, while Crash nodded along, occasionally chiming in with his quiet enthusiasm. Coco smiled between them, looking content despite the blankets piled over her legs and the lingering stiffness she was working through.

Putyuk smiled at the scene—it was heartwarming to see how close they all were. But Coco needed to focus on her exercises, and these two deserved a break after everything they'd been through. With that thought, she strode over to them, her heavy boots making a faint thud against the floor. She placed her hands firmly but gently on both Penny's and Crash's shoulders.

The sudden touch startled both of them. Crash jolted in his seat, his ears shooting up. Penny let out a small gasp, her tail swishing against the chair legs, she whips her head around to see Putyuk standing behind them with a playful smirk.

"As much as I love seeing you two keeping Coco company," Putyuk declared, "you need to leave. Coco has to focus on her exercises."