Chapter 128: You Need To Rest

Mom had fallen asleep about thirty minutes ago, her breathing shallow but steady, her hand limp in mine. I should’ve been relieved that she was finally resting, but instead, there was this strange ache in my chest—the kind that tightens and makes breathing feel heavier than it should. I sat still, just watching her chest rise and fall. When the door creaked open behind me, I didn’t turn immediately. I figured it was a nurse or maybe Dean just checking in. But when a familiar voice, one I hadn’t heard in what now felt like lifetimes said my name, my entire body stiffened. “Sav?” I stopped moving. Then slowly turned around. Alyssa stood there in the doorway, framed by the harsh fluorescent light of the hallway. For a moment, I didn't know what to do. The breath was quite literally knocked out of me. “Alyssa?” I said, almost like I didn’t believe it. “Sav?” Her face softened with disbelief. “Is this really you?” I rubbed my clammy palms on my jeans, awkwardly trying to ground myself. “Uh,