JORDAN
The call came just as I was getting into the study session with Olivia. Mom’s voice sounded like panic wrapped in guilt.
“Jordan, it’s Alex,” she said, breathless. “He fainted. We’re at the hospital.”
For a second, I forgot how to breathe. My heart slammed against my ribs like it wanted out. “What do you mean fainted?” I said, already scared. “Mom, what happened?”
“I—I don’t know,” she stammered. “He just collapsed. They’re running tests.”
I didn’t hear the rest. My brain went numb as I bolted out of the building, every step heavy, my pulse roaring in my ears. My car couldn’t go fast enough. Every red light felt like punishment, every second on the road an eternity.
When I finally ran into the hospital lobby, my chest was burning, my throat dry. I spotted Mom near the nu
