11

11

Nathan escorted me back to the residence. Resting on the mattress, my thoughts swirled with the recent events, and anxiety gripped my chest. These incidents were happening more often. I feared that one day, I might lose the ability to separate fact from fiction, descending into true insanity.

I retrieved the pair of matching rings from my neckline and ran my fingers over them. Suddenly, my cellphone vibrated beside me. Spotting Ryan's name on the screen, I felt a surge of apprehension.

"Miss, come to the medical center quickly. Your father's health has deteriorated!"

I dashed out barefoot. He was my only family left.

Nathan promptly followed in his vehicle. "Where are you headed?"

I perched on a seat in the hospital, my gaze locked on the emergency room's illuminated sign.

"Emma," Nathan called from afar, his expression tinged with sympathy. "It will all work out."

I looked away. How could Nathan offer solace now? Perhaps I was just losing touch with reality again.