The Mafia's Secretary

The Pain She Felt

The hospital room smelled strongly of antiseptics.

Evelina sat by Amelia's bedside, her fingers intertwined with hers. The steady beeping of the monitor was the only sign that there was still life in the girl lying there. She looked so small, so fragile. Her skin was pale and her lips were cracked. Tubes ran across her arms, and Evelina still held her hoping that she would open her eyes, but she didn't.

The doctor stepped in looking tired. "Miss Evelina," he said gently. "We've reviewed Amelia's scans. The infection has worsened, and her kidneys are failing. She needs surgery. Urgently."

Evelina's heart shattered. "Surgery? How much? How soon?"

"Within the week. Any later and..." he didn't finish. He didn't even had to because Evelina already understood.

She nodded stiffly. "Thank you," she whispered, trying to fight back tears.

The moment the doctor left, Evelina collapsed onto the hospital chair, and buried her face in her palms. Her sobs were silent but violent, her shoulders shaking with grief.

She walked out of the hospital like a ghost, dragging her legs as she did so. Her eyes were glassy, and she was completely lost in thoughts. The world moved on around her like it didn't care her world was falling apart.

She hadn't gone home in weeks. After what happened with Cassiel, and now this... life was too harsh on her.

The sun was setting, but Evelina couldn't feel the warmth. Her sweater hung loosely on her body. She hadn't even been eating properly. Her body was tired and so was her heart. She didn't even realize she was crying until a cool wind slapped against her face. Her sneakers scuffed the pavement as she walked the pavement as she walked the road home, not even noticing when cars honked or when people passed. She just kept walking, like a zombie.

When she finally reached her apartment, she fumbled with the keys, sighing deeply as she pushed the door open.

"Martha?" She called softly, wiping her face. "I'm home."

Martha was curled on the couch, but she didn't respond. She just blinked strangely, like she was trying to say something without saying it.

Evelina didn't catch it, because she was too tired to notice. She stepped in further, not even looking around. "It's been a long day. My head's spinning," she muttered to herself, dropping her bag carelessly by the door.

The moment she finally turned, she froze.