Naomi’s POV
The room had quieted down a while ago. Layla devoured half the tub of ice cream and danced around the ward while I tried not to laugh too hard at the absurdities she had told me about Elias. Now, though, it was night. The kind of stillness that pressed against my eardrums surrounded me, making even the softest rustle of the curtains feel loud.
Layla’s phone rang.
"Ugh," she groaned. "My mom. Why is she calling so late?"
I smiled. "Maybe she wants to tell you to stop stealing hospital ice cream."
Layla stuck her tongue out at me but answered the call. I watched as her expression shifted from annoyance to exasperation.
"Yeah, okay. Fine. I’m coming," Layla said into the phone before hanging up. She turned to me. "Mom wants help unloading groceries. Apparently, she forgot he
