Allison As I stood in the hospital bathroom, the icy water cascaded down my skin, sending shivers down my spine. I gritted my teeth, enduring the chill. Hot water was a luxury in this huge, expensive hospital, obviously. I finished washing, wiped myself clean, and slipped into my clothes. The soft fabric provided meager comfort against the bleak hospital atmosphere. I stepped out of the bathroom, and my gaze fell upon mom, still fast asleep. Her snores resonated through the room, a symphony of exhaustion. I settled onto the bed, trying to catch a few winks, but my phone pierced the silence, shrill and insistent. I reached for it, my heart racing as I saw Sally's name flashing on the screen. It was a video call. I hesitated for a moment before answering. Sally's face filled the screen,

