ng pain. She remembered leaving her mother's

, surrounded by beeping machines and sterile white walls. She t

r side. "Easy, Miss.

d and unclear. She recalled arguing with Ale

ries slowly pieced together. She remembered

ia's distress. "Miss,

ing up in her eyes. "My m

so sorry. I ne

anger. "Get out! You did

"Miss, please calm d

No, I don't need rest!

looking devastated. "So

Sir I think it's best if you e

't let him come near

om. "Let's give her some space. She

l myself?" He replayed the argument in hi

ught, shaking his head. "But she wasn't picking up her phone, and

ght. "I love her, but..." He sighe

kay?" He asked a nurse who

"She needs time to rest aside that, she's okay.

He stood there, lost in his thoughts, won

going to be alright." The nurse

e answered, seeing her mom'

aughter, I've been trying to reach you since y

'm fine. I just... I came to the hospita

rmation. "A check-up? What fo

I'm not sick. Just a bit stressed, that's a

m really fine, Mom. Don't

ng to see you. Send me the address of

if she saw her condition. "Mom, really,

phia, send me the address now.

d me the address, Soph

off, changing the subject. "Mom,

Take care o

e you. Call you w

th a warm smile. "Ms., you're cleared

ghtly. "I'm feeling a bit

you to rest and avoid strenuous activities. If you feel

rfect. I'd rath

is with you or checks in

aking the papers

e and watch me struggle?" Sophia

me not to come near you," he said softly. I'm sorry but... I just have to f

d your help

w Alex follow her home to make it easier fo

stead taking a deep breath and making her way slowly

of something – regret, maybe, or longing – thin

herself, closing her eyes.

wn thoughts, trying to push aside the emotions swir

Alex called

rom your stinking mouth m

phia paid the driver, grateful to be home. She

hort and q

elp you i

instead, I'm n

x, good night. I don't ne

the couch, wincing in pain. Tears pricked at the corn

an, feeling vulnerable and scared. But as

gritting her teeth. "Just don

making her way to her bedroom, determined to prove to herself that she didn't need anyo