llway, my suitcase trailing behind me like a shadow. The weight of last night h

artbreak and into another. When I reach the reception, I spot Dr. Mensah. His

my voice thin with ex

e, I'm glad you came quickly. Your mother's condition is worsening. We n

rying to keep my voice steady. "But what about the funding from my-" I stop, the wo

ough bracing himself. "I'm sorry, Isabelle. Mr.

t night?" I whisper, disbelief cl

aware. We need to know if you'll be a

course. Don't worry, I'll get the money. Please, j

oulder gently. "I trust you, Isabelle. But time is of the essenc

feels more like a grimace. As he walks away, I exhal

an Everett lies propped up on the bed, her once vibrant hair now a thinning halo of gr

stion. A fit of coughing racks her body, and

so much," I say softly, pressi

worried crease forming on her forehead. "Why d

seconds. Should I tell her? No. She doesn't need to know abo

," I say, forcing a smile. "But it doesn

y a mother possesses. "Izzy, don't sacrifice everything

rce my expression to remain calm. "Don't worry abou

e'd be by your side through all of this. He was a fighter. You are, too.

ood my mind-his steady presence, his unwavering support. He had a way of fi

n you know. Whatever it is you're carrying, whatever pain... It'

amion has cast me aside, that the life I fought so hard to b

soft sigh as she drifts into a restless sleep. I

e blinds, exhaustion dragging at my l

ss, its glass façade reflecting the storm brewing within me. My fingers shake as I push open the doors, but I

ngs back memories I wish I could erase. But I push them aside, focus

e quickly schools her features. I offer her a curt nod and head towar

I call out, breaking into a small jog, my heels clicking against the marbl

an unmistakable tension. I l

am

is presence commanding as ever. His blue eyes meet mine, a flicker of s

ll for the memories that flood back in an instant. My heart hammers in my c

my voice barely

ies, his tone f