She lay beside her mother, wrapped in a blanket, fast asleep.
In the predawn hours, Nora Ainsworth was woken by a sudden chill.
Her first instinct was to check on Mrs. Ainsworth, but something was very different tonight.
Her mother wasn't there. The realization jolted her wide awake.
Her gaze swept the room, landing on a figure sitting nearby.
Her mother was at the counter, putting on makeup.
"Mom? Why are you down here?!" Nora was terrified and rushed over to support her.
But Mrs. Ainsworth gently shrugged off her hand, her voice as calm as ever. "I have something to do today, Nora. I won't live past tomorrow. Let me do what I feel I must."
Nora Ainsworth froze, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. "Mom, tomorrow is Sharon Ainsworth and Quentin Grant's wedding—"
Mrs. Ainsworth stared at her. "Nora, if I don't do something for you now, it will be too late."
"Mom, I don't need you to do anything—" Her voice was slightly hoarse. "I just want you to be healthy."
