As an ordinary genius

The following morning, Ethan sat on the edge of the hospital bed, adjusting to the sensation of being upright after a week of stillness. Felicity stood nearby, arms crossed, watching him closely.

"You sure you're ready for this?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.

"I've been ready since I woke up," Ethan replied with a small grin, though his body still felt sluggish. "Besides, I can't stand another hour in this place. Hospitals aren't exactly cozy."

Felicity smirked. "Alright, Mr. Stubborn. But if you feel dizzy or anything, you tell me immediately."

As they drove through the familiar streets of Central City, Ethan stared out the window. Everything looked the same, yet he felt... different. It wasn't just the lingering fatigue from the accident—it was something he couldn't quite place.

Felicity broke the silence. "So, what's the first thing you're going to do when you get home? Tinker with another one of your crazy projects?"

Ethan chuckled weakly. "I think I'll avoid the garage for a while. Maybe I'll just... sit and do nothing."

Felicity raised an eyebrow. "You? Sit and do nothing? I'll believe it when I see it."

When they arrived, Ethan hesitated at the front door. Felicity noticed and gently nudged him.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Nothing," he replied quickly. "Just... feels weird to be back."

As they stepped inside, Ethan took in the sight of his home. It was exactly as he had left it, yet the thought of returning to his routine felt strange.

Felicity helped him settle onto the couch. "Alright, you're home. What do you need? Food? Water? A babysitter?"

Ethan smirked. "I think I can manage."

Felicity leaned against the wall, crossing her arms. "I'm serious, Ethan. You just got out of the hospital. No overworking yourself, no experiments, no—"

"Relax," he interrupted. "I'll take it easy. Promise."

For the first time in years, Ethan allowed himself to simply rest. Felicity stayed for a while, fussing over him before reluctantly heading back to Starling City.

As she left, she paused at the door. "If you need anything—anything at all—call me, okay?"

"I will," Ethan assured her.

As the door closed behind her, Ethan leaned back against the couch, staring at the ceiling. Despite the comfort of being home, a strange feeling lingered in the back of his mind. It was as though something inside him had shifted.