Chapter 141

ANDREW The elevator doors slid open, and I stepped out first. Leah followed behind me, her heels striking the hospital floor louder than necessary. We were on the Thoracic Surgery Inpatient Unit, where post-operative patients recovered. The hallway smelled faintly of disinfectant and metal. “So this is where they put her,” Leah muttered, scanning the corridor. “Surgery at her age? Are we really doing this? You know hospitals always recommend procedures. That’s how they make money.” “And now that she’s admitted, we’re the ones expected to take responsibility for all of it?” she added. I exhaled slowly. “Can you lower your voice? I told you not to come.” She shot me a look. “You think this is cheap? Lung surgery? Do you even know what a lobectomy costs in this country? And who exactly is paying for it? You seriously think Emma has that kind of money?” “Mom told me not to worry about the bills,” I said, trying to keep my tone steady. “Emma got her health insurance specifically for situati