Chapter 6

In a haze of semi-consciousness, Emily Johnson's sobs reached my ears in broken fragments.

Her trembling fingers kept wiping the blood from the corner of my lips, her voice shattered. "How did this happen... He was fine just yesterday..."

The sharp scent of disinfectant made my temples throb.

The attending physician's voice came from behind the curtain. "The cancer has metastasized throughout his body. According to his prior wishes—"

"Bullshit!"

Emily suddenly overturned the medical cart, sending metal instruments clattering to the floor.

She grabbed the doctor by the collar, her nails digging deep into her own palms. "I don't care about the cost—use the best drugs, the best equipment—"

"Ms. Johnson."

The doctor calmly pried her fingers loose. "This isn't about money."

The hospital door slammed open.

Sophia Williams strode in on stiletto heels, clutching a yellowed document.

She didn't even glance at Emily before slamming the will onto the bedside table.

"Read it."

Her voice was ice-cold. "He signed a DNR three years ago."

Emily staggered back two steps, her lips trembling as she reached for the papers.

Sophia suddenly raised her hand and delivered a sharp slap across Emily's face.

"Now you care?"

Sophia's eyes were red-rimmed. "Where were you when he was in so much pain he couldn't sleep? Where were you when he sold his house just to pay for treatment?"

The heart monitor suddenly blared an alarm.

By the time the doctors rushed in, Sophia had already thrown herself beside the bed.

She clutched my hand, her tears splashing onto my skin. "Lucas, listen to me—your mother is still waiting for you at the nursing home. You promised to celebrate her birthday next week..."

I could hear my own weak heartbeat speeding up.

Sophia pressed her forehead against my hand, choking on her words. "You always said... goodbyes should be meaningful..."

Light pierced through the darkness.

I struggled desperately, and in that blinding white glare, I finally saw Sophia's tear-streaked face.

She froze for two seconds before laughing and crying at the same time, slamming the call button.

"He's awake! He's awake!"

I tried to speak, but no sound came out.

Sophia fumbled, pressing my shoulders down. "Don't move, don't move—I'll get the doctor—"

She turned and nearly tripped over the IV line, her tearful laughter almost comical.

Emily stood in the shadows by the wall, her nails carving crescent-shaped marks into her palms.