Anger, fear, and resentment, everything Evelyn had felt toward William, slowly faded, leaving only a dull ache in her chest.
Beside the bed stood her grandmother, holding Samuel's hand tightly. Her uncle and aunt were there too, quiet and solemn, their usual pride stripped away by helplessness.
And then Alicia, her stepmother, was there as well.
"Oh, Eve, you finally came…" Alicia's voice cracked with relief as she hurried forward and took Evelyn's hand. "Your grandpa is already waiting for you."
Evelyn let Alicia lead her closer. Each step felt heavier than the last, but she forced herself forward. Yet seeing the man who once seemed unbreakable lying in a hospital bed, fragile and fading, broke her heart.
"Eve, come closer… Your grandpa is awake," Lucy Walters said gently. She was smiling, but there was no warmth in her eyes. Only exhaustion. Only sorrow.
Evelyn swallowed hard and moved closer to the bedside.
