Slight Concussion

Rose's face darkened inexplicably. It was as if a storm was brewing in her eyes. "An accident? In the house?" 

At his mother's words, Jace tensed visibly, his jaw clenching as he wrestled with the anger threatening to boil over. 

But just before he could give a response, the sound of hurried footsteps on the polished hospital floor interrupted him.

Soon, Marianna appeared at the end of the hallway. Her face was pale and streaked with tears. Even her hair was disheveled, and her hands were trembling as she approached. It was the perfect picture of a distraught mother.

"Jace," Marianna began, unsteadily as she closed the distance. "Please, how is Charles? What did the doctor say?"

Rose turned sharply, her expression unreadable for a fleeting moment before it hardened. "What are you doing here?" she demanded coldly, stepping in front of Marianna to block her path.