didn't leave my mi

cheap coffee that tasted burnt no matter how much cream I added. Sevent

for twenty minutes. Numbers blurred together. Rent overdue. Utilities behind.

at against the desk a

wouldn't s

on m

ed by the hospital. I needed air. I

smell hit me instantly. It clung to my clothes as I step

or was too bright f

tant and something bitter underneath. I slowed my steps as I approached Dad's room, alre

hoes squeaking against the floor. A gurney followed, curtains drawn, wheels rat

at sleeves, nails digging into fabric as I forc

nd drilled into my skull. I stood there longer than I should ha

hovering near the frame. I listened first. The so

steady. The room smelled like disinfectant and something faintly metallic. Mac

rough me so fast

around his. His skin felt thinner than it used to,

, as if he were counting something only he could see. I wondered ho

k tired,

ine,"

mine. They were duller than before, ringed with e

e to be strong

tightened

eeping of machines. I watched his breathing, counting e

into my throat. A nurse passed by the open door, glanced inside, and kept walking.

enter?" he a

.. struggling. But

n. Incomplete. Lie

fingers weakly.

again, sharp and sudden. I leaned forward instin

my forehead against his ha

"She'd tell you to stop

y. "She alway

And listen to me. Whatever

ver h

door, turning back once more, afraid of what I might see. He was a

lowed me down the hall like a quie

ded. His office was small and smelled faintly of lemon cleaner. He listened whi

," he said finally. "

gh. "I run a nonprofi

replied. "You have im

d, fragile

about the man who scammed us, my voice tightening as I admitted h

calls," he sai

eft, clutching my b

organizing. I wiped down shelves already clean. Every time t

ached and my hope fe

when my phone f

an asked, her voice

es

private sponsor interested i

aught. "Int

she said. "Enough to stabilize your organ

nearly

could save us,

at," she replied. "He'd l

orr

quickly. "Of c

a time and e

e screen went dark, my hear

sibilities. Rent paid. Programs saved. Kids safe.

the second chan

eplaced the dying plant with a borrowed one from Sophia's apartment. I even

y with coffee an

hange everyth

ied. "I'm scared

and. "You've earn

the office. I smoothed my blazer and st

second, I didn't understand what I

my doorway. Somethin

y mind had the chance to catch up. Eight years... and still, my chest tightened just from seeing hi

, the past walked