For the first time…

she didn’t know what to say.

Victoria stood.

“I came so you’d know the truth.”

She walked to the door.

Then paused.

“And to ask you something.”

Emily looked up.

“Stay away from him.”

Silence.

“My father has already lost too much.”

“He doesn’t need to get attached to someone who reminds him of what he couldn’t save.”

And with that…

she left.

Without looking back.

That night…

Emily couldn’t sleep.

She stared at the ceiling.

Listened to Noah breathing in the next room.

And thought.

About her mother.

About Daniel.

Every moment.

Every word.

Was it all real?

Or… built?

The next morning…

she didn’t go to the hospital.

She went home.

That same old house…

no longer where she lived,

but still where she came from.

Her mother was there.

As always.

Busy hands.

Tired eyes.

“Emily? What are you doing here so early?”

Emily placed the envelope on the table.

“What is this?”

Her mother looked at it.

And in that moment…

everything was clear.

She didn’t ask.

Didn’t deny.

She just stayed silent.

“Tell me,” Emily said, her voice shaking.
“Is it true?”

Seconds passed.

Heavy ones.

“Yes.”

One word.

And everything changed.

“Why?”

Her mother looked up.

And for the first time…

she didn’t try to look strong.

“Because I was afraid.”