Alejandro left the hospital room while Gail clutched Laurie's hand and kissed the back of it.
“I'm so sorry for what I put you through!" Lifting her head, Gail's molten eyes searched her daughter's. Seeing what she needed, tears suddenly streamed down her plump face.
Laurie groaned and struggled to sit up and put her arm around her mother.
“It's okay, mom. It's not your fault. You couldn't have known what would happen." Once again, even hospitalized, Laurie found herself taking on the adult role with Gail.
“I–I'm sorry!" Gail's voice broke pitifully. “I have cancer, baby. It's stage four. That's why I borrowed the money. For my treatment. I was desperate. I didn't mean for you to get hurt, baby."
The knot in Laurie's stomach doubled. Sometimes it felt like she couldn't catch a break.
