Nicole's POV
When I woke up again, I found myself lying in a hospital bed.
"Nicole, you're awake," Nurse Jessica said, her face lighting up with joy.
"What... what happened? Where's my mother?" I asked.
"The doctor said you've been overwhelmed by grief... Nicole, you need to be strong."
At her words, tears began to flow uncontrollably.
I felt as though I had lost all hope for living; I didn't know how to find the strength to go on.
Jessica came over and handed me a small package and a letter. "Dear, everything will be alright. These are some of Irene Goodall's belongings. I thought you might need them to get through these tough times."
I took the package and opened it, feeling dazed. This was the bag I had packed for my mother on the day she was supposed to be discharged. We had
