9
Ember’s Exit
After the inexplicable circle in the hospital room, and no one to question, Ember gathered the few personal items left in her mother’s room. A tablet, now dark and needing a charge, marked the end of Talesa’s long days of reading. Her mother’s purple satchel with clothes, makeup, brush, and toothbrush couldn’t stay behind, either, even though there would be no use for it anymore. The items were heavy in Ember’s arms as she collected them and pushed her way through the crystal glass door.
The hospital’s elevator was modern and slick, welcoming Ember with bells and audible greeting: “Have a beautiful and tranquil day.”
Ember stepped out, feeling like she herself had died. She forced herself to stop at the front desk to see if she could determine what steps she should take
