**Elena**
SAVE LAUREN.
His writing was short, but it chilled me more than the AC ever could.
Lauren. What does she have to do with this?
I wiped my damp forehead, my thoughts spinning like a storm.
Dad was lying so still, his face pale under the hospital light.
Aunt Lena...
The thought struck me like a flash.
“Did Aunt Lena come to you because of Lauren?” I whispered, leaning close.
Dad’s eyes fluttered. Then he blinked twice.
My hands trembled as I grabbed the bedrail.
“What did she say, Dad?” My voice rose. “Is this about this morning?”
Nick moved closer, frowning. “This morning? What happened this morning?”
I thought back to Lauren at Mom's grave. The way her hands shook. The purple bruises on her wrist and the fresh one on her ankle.
“She looked scared,” I said quickly. “
