ELLA'S POV
A coil of tension wrapped around my insides and lodged itself at the pit of my stomach. I slowed down as the mahogany door that bore Mother's room came to view.
I grunted, wiping my slick hands at the back of my neck. Another emotion locked with the tension and spiraled through my core like twin tornadoes. It took me a few minutes and reciting of a mantra I'd come up with to twist the doorknob.
The creaky sound that preceded my actions didn't help either. As soon as I stepped in, my gaze landed on Mom. A ghost of a smile stretched her lips.
My vision went blurry, and my legs suddenly became stiff. I opened my mouth to speak. The words were at the tip of my tongue but I just couldn't get them out. Plus, breaking down in tears right in front of my Mom who just got out of a c
