CHAPTER SEVENTY-NINE
Mon, 23 Sep 2024 19:32
Ava stood at the hospital's exit, the cool air sweeping against her as she gazed at the busy street beyond the glass double doors. After three long days of hovering concern from Giovanni, Dimitri, Lily, and Percival, the weight of finally being discharged felt surreal. The constant presence of the people she loved had been comforting, but there had always been someone missing—until now.
Her eyes fell on the frail figure of her mother, standing just outside the entrance. The woman wore a thin white dress, her frame almost swallowed by its fabric, emphasizing how much weight she'd lost. Ava’s breath caught in her throat. Her mother stood still, waiting, her warm smile faltering under the sadness clouding her gaze.
“Mom?” Ava’s voice cracked sli
