Chapter 19

CAMILA'S pov The beeping continued. That sharp, cold sound reverberated through the room every few seconds. I detested it. I detested its meaning. Emiliano, my brother, lay so motionless under the thin hospital blanket that it filled me with detestation. His complexion was as pallid as the hospital's walls. His chest oscillated, seemingly struggling to decide whether to surrender or persist. And me? I simply stood there, gripping my jacket sleeve as if it were holding me together. Without even meeting my eyes, the nurse stated, "Ma'am, we'll need the next payment by Friday." "The surgery might be pushed again without it." pushed. Once more. I pretended not to hear my heart exploding as I nodded. My voice felt trapped in my throat. Friday. Two days. Like I was sleepwalking, I left the room. The smell of grief and bleach filled the hallway. A mother walked past me with her infant. The child was grinning. For everyone else, life went on as if nothing had gone wrong. "Camila!" Nico overtoo