BRIANNA’S POV
The road stretched out in front of me like it had no end. I had no idea where I was anymore. I’d been driving for hours. My hands were sore from gripping the wheel too tightly and my eyes stung from holding back tears. The car’s engine hummed quietly. It was the only sound breaking the heavy silence.
I kept glancing in the rearview mirror.
My mom was lying in the backseat, still and pale. She hadn’t moved or made a sound since I pulled her out of the wreck. Her face was bruised, and it hurt just to look at her. She didn’t open her eyes. She didn’t speak. Just breathed—barely.
“Mom,” I whispered, “You’re going to be okay. I promise.”
I’d been repeating those same words over and over, like if I said them enough times, they might come true. But I was terrified.
“You’re str
