Abner's expression twisted with something that might have been guilt. He opened his mouth—
One look from Beth, and he swallowed whatever he'd been about to say.
She planted her hands on her hips, unmoved.
"You want to save your mother? Then give us the ticket. Every second you waste is on you."
Tears streamed down my face. I couldn't stop them.
"Abner." My voice cracked. "Please. Just take her to the hospital. I'll—I'll split the ticket with you. Fifty-fifty."
I had to keep something. Without it, I couldn't afford to save her.
Beth still wouldn't budge.
"Words are cheap. Ticket first."
Whatever warmth remained in my heart turned to ice.
I looked at Abner, searching for something—anything.
"Abner, how can you be this heartless?"
He couldn't meet my eyes. His face twisted with something that might have been guilt—if he'd been capable of it.
"Just... give Mom the ticket first," he mumbled.
I laughed. A bitter, broken sound.
This was the man I'd chosen.
My hand trembled as I pointed to my purse.
"Behind our photo..."
My mother-in-law snatched it up, ripping out the family portrait—me, Abner, and Rosemary, smiling like we meant it. She tossed the photo on the ground without a second glance.