Chapter 272

I gently closed the door to Mom's room and turned back toward the living room. The empty living room was bathed in soft moonlight that filtered in through the curtains. I walked to the window, gazed out at the quiet night, and took a deep breath. I had to pull myself together—not just for myself but for Mom too. I turned off the lights and went back to my room. Lying in bed, I couldn't fall asleep no matter how much I tossed and turned. It wasn't until dawn began to break that I finally drifted off. … The next morning, a knock at the door woke me up. I opened the door to find Mom standing there, holding a glass of milk and a few slices of bread. "Serena, get up and eat something," she said softly. I took the milk and bread before forcing a smile. "Thanks, Mom." She sat down beside my bed and watched me, hesitating as if she wanted to say something. I knew exactly what was on her mind. "Mom, don't worry too much," I said. "Even if the sky falls, I'll hold it up. Besides, I've