Emma's fingers trembled as she lowered her phone, the doctor's words still ringing in her ears. Her mother's condition had deteriorated rapidly, and now Diana was being rushed into emergency surgery. The sterile hospital corridor seemed to close in around her, the fluorescent lights harsh and unforgiving.
She needed Tom. Now more than ever.
As if summoned by her thoughts, the elevator doors slid open, and Tom burst out, his eyes wild with worry. He spotted Emma and rushed towards her, strong arms enveloping her in a protective embrace.
"I came as soon as I got your message," he murmured into her hair. "How is she?"
Emma pulled back slightly, fighting to keep her voice steady. "It's bad, Tom. They're taking her into surgery now. Some kind of complication with her diabetes. The doctor sa
