MACEY
When I opened my eyes, the room was dim. The faint hum of the hospital machines filled the silence, that steady rhythm of beeps and breathing that didn’t belong to me. For a second, I thought I was alone—until my eyes adjusted and the shadows in the corners of the room started to take shape.
My parents were there. Mason too. Samantha, Jessica… even Liam, Jessica’s husband, was here. Liam, who was supposed to be in Singapore for business. They were all scattered across the room in awkward positions, asleep but not at peace.
My dad was slumped in the chair near the door, his arms crossed tightly over his chest, his face drawn and tired. Mason was stretched out on the couch, snoring softly, with one arm over his eyes.
Samantha and Jessica had curled up together near the window,
