Emma's world tilted on its axis. Her mother's voice, a sound she hadn't heard in years, cut through the air like a knife. She felt Tom's arm tighten around her waist, steadying her as her knees threatened to buckle.
"Emma?" her mother called again, a note of desperation creeping into her voice. "Please, I know I don't deserve it, but I need you to open the door."
Tom looked at Emma, his eyes filled with concern and a silent question. Emma took a deep breath, steeling herself. She nodded slightly.
"Stay behind me," Tom whispered, moving towards the door with a slight limp, his body tense and ready despite his injuries.
As Tom reached for the doorknob, Emma's heart pounded so loudly she was sure everyone could hear it. The door swung open, revealing a woman Emma barely recognized.
Her m
