CHAPTER 442: THE FUNDRAISING

Susan's hospital room felt like they were closing in on Maddy. Exhaustion gnawed at her from the long day at work, followed by the rush hour traffic that seemed to stretch on forever. Susan, pale and drawn under the harsh fluorescent lights, slept fitfully. Maddy reached out and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her friend's ear. "Hey," Maddy whispered, her voice thick with unshed tears. "How are you feeling?" Susan blinked her eyes open, a weak smile gracing her lips. "Just a little tired, Mads. You shouldn't have stayed so late." "Nonsense," Maddy said, forcing a smile of her own. "Work can wait. You're the one who needs me." Silence fell between them, heavy with unspoken worry. Maddy knew Susan was scared. The upcoming surgery loomed large, a dark cloud hanging over them. "Did you talk to Dr. Chen today?" Maddy finally asked, trying to lighten the mood. Susan nodded. "Yeah, he went over everything again. Same plan." "Good," Maddy said, squeezing Susan's hand. "We just got