The ICU was a very quiet place filled with cold blue lights. The only sound was the steady beep-beep of the heart monitors. When the nurse said it was okay, Maeve stepped inside her father’s room. Her feet felt heavy on the floor. Seeing her father like this made her heart hurt. Michael Williams was always a strong man, but now he was hooked up to many tubes and wires. He looked smaller and much older than he did when he was in his office.
Maeve reached out and took his hand. His palm felt rough and cold. "Dad," she whispered. Her voice was thick with tears. "You have to wake up. I’m so sorry for being a handful and making you worry. If you just stay with me, I promise I’ll be better. I’ll listen more and work harder. Please, just don't leave me yet."
Outside the glass window, Cassian st
