“Here, drink this,” Anthony said softly, holding out a glass of water.
Anna took it without looking at him. Her fingers brushed his for a second, then pulled away. He gave a small, tired smile and sat beside her on the bed. The silence between them felt heavy, like something pressing down on their chests.
She took one slow sip.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered at last.
Anthony shook his head gently. “Anna—”
“Saying sorry won’t bring your mom back,” she continued, her voice cracking. Tears slipped down her cheeks, one after another. “But… I’m still sorry.”
He moved closer and took her trembling hands in his. “You have nothing to be sorry for, okay? You didn’t do anything.”
Her tears only fell faster. She finally lifted her eyes to his. Her lips shook as she tried to speak.
“She’s my mothe
