“Mom!"
James's shout tore down the hallway.
Elizabeth watched him burst into the room and freeze at the sight of his mother on the floor, blood spreading across her blouse.
“Move!" a doctor snapped.
A gurney slammed in. Gauze pressed down. Orders flew.
“Her pressure's dropping!"
“OR is ready!"
They lifted Mrs. Young and rushed her out.
The corridor fell into a stunned hush.
Only blood remained on the tiles.
Victoria staggered against the wall, one hand over her mouth, eyes wide.
“James," she cried, voice shaking, “I'm so sorry. I only came to apologize to Elizabeth. That was all I wanted. I know I was wrong. I shouldn't have shown up here when she was still grieving. I shouldn't have said anything about the past, or about her mother. I thought if I humbled myself and begged for
