Ethan held Grace's hand tightly in his. His palm was warm, radiating a quiet strength that instantly washed away the flicker of grievance rising in her heart.
She didn't pull away. She let him hold her hand as they walked out of the hospital room together.
Inside the room, Lily watched as Ethan led Grace away. Tears welled up in her eyes and, unable to hold them back any longer, spilled down her cheeks like broken pearls.
Margaret pulled Lily into her arms, gently patting her back in comfort, but the fire in her eyes only burned hotter.
*****
Outside the hospital room, Ethan and Grace walked side by side down the empty hallway in silence.
Grace's gaze drifted down to their interlocked hands, her emotions tangled in a mix of confusion and unease.
They got into the car, one after the
