EMMA POV
The hospital doors swung open with a cold whoosh early in the morning, and I rushed inside, the scent of antiseptic, drugs and sickness filling my nose. My breath came in short gasps, and my chest tightened. The money, I had it now, clenched tightly in my sweaty palm. I'd sacrificed everything I had—my savings, my pride, my future. But none of that mattered anymore I am grown. What mattered was my mom, who lay in a hospital bed somewhere in this labyrinth of suffering.
I pushed past nurses and visitors, dodging gurneys and IV stands, my heart pounding as I raced toward Dr. Aaron's office. Each step echoed my fears. I was scared, terrified really, that this time I’d be too late. By the time I got there, I’d be greeted by solemn faces and bad news. My mind raced through the worst
