"Arwen…" Her grandmother's voice was so faint, as if every word were a heavy burden forced past her pale lips.
Arwen immediately lowered her head, tears spilling onto the worn blanket that covered the frail body. "Yes, Grandma, I'm here. Don't talk too much. Save your strength."
Selena slowly shook her head, her eyes flickering as though fighting against the darkness closing in. “There’s… something you need to know…”
Sobbing, Arwen gripped those cold fingers tighter. "No, Grandma. You can tell me later—after I take you to the hospital. I don't want to hear anything right now except your promise that you'll hold on."
Selena tried to smile, though her face was sweaty and her breathing ragged. "Your father… Arwen, your father is actually—"
Her breath suddenly hitched. A violent cough wra
