Chapter Two

My phone vibrated for what felt like the hundredth time. I glanced at the screen—Mom again.

"Still avoiding her?" Lily asked from her hospital bed.

I sighed. "Just until I decide how to respond."

A knock at the door made us both jump.

"Knock, knock!" A familiar voice called. "Is it safe to come in, or are you two plotting an escape?"

A grin broke across my face. "Come in, Zoe."

The door burst open, and my best friend strode in, arms full of bags. "I bring gifts! Real food, magazines, and—" She held up a fluffy stuffed unicorn with a flourish. "Ta-da!"

Lily's face lit up. "Is that for me?"

"Of course, squirt," Zoe said, tossing it to her. "How're you feeling?"

"Better." Lily hugged the unicorn. "When can I go home, Ari?"

I glanced at Zoe before answering. "Soon, Lil. We just need to make sure you're completely okay first."

Zoe plopped into the chair beside me. "And how are you holding up, Wonder Woman?"

I rubbed my eyes. "I'm fine."

"Liar," Zoe said cheerfully. "You look wrecked. When was the last time you slept?"

"Sleep is for the weak," I muttered.

Zoe rolled her eyes. "Right. Lily, cover your ears. Your sister's about to get an earful."

Lily giggled and obediently covered her ears.

Zoe turned to me, her voice low. "Ari, you have to rest. You've already missed two shifts. Jameson is livid."

I groaned. "I know, I know. I just… I can't leave her."

"You don't have to," Zoe said. "That's why I'm here. Go home. Shower. Sleep. I'll stay with Lily."

I hesitated. "I don't know…"

"It's not a suggestion," Zoe said firmly. "Go. Doctor's orders."

"You're a nurse, not a doctor."

"Details." She waved a dismissive hand. "Now go. We're having a girls' day, right, Lily?"

Lily perked up. "Please, Ari? I'll be fine with Zoe."

I sighed, realizing I was outnumbered. "Fine. But call me if anything—"

"We will," they said in unison.

I kissed Lily's forehead. "Behave, squirt."

"Always do." She grinned.

As I reached the door, Zoe called out, "And Ari? Handle your mom. She's blowing up my phone too."

I grimaced. "Later."

—

The drive home passed in a blur. The moment I stepped into my tiny studio apartment, the silence hit me like a brick.

Then my phone buzzed again.

Frank.

I debated ignoring it, but against my better judgment, I picked up.

"Where the hell are you?" His voice was sharp, edged with irritation.

"Hello to you too," I said dryly.

"Don't be smart with me, girl. Your mother's worried sick."

I snorted. "Right. Before or after happy hour?"

"Watch your damn mouth," Frank growled. "When are you bringing Lily home?"

"I'm not," I said, steel in my voice. "Not until some things change."

"What the hell does that mean?"

"It means I'm done watching you two tear each other apart and dragging Lily down with you," I snapped. "Get help or I'll call social services."

Silence. Then, low and dangerous: "You wouldn't dare."

"Try me," I said, and hung up.

My hands trembled as I set the phone down. What was I even doing?

Before I could spiral, my phone buzzed again—a text from Zoe.

Lily's napping. Everything's good here. SLEEP.

I exhaled a shaky breath. What would I do without her?

I was about to crash when another text came in. This time from an unknown number.

Ms. Thorne, this is Dr. Warren. Can we meet to discuss Lily's situation? It's important.

My stomach twisted. Now what?

I typed back: Of course. When and where?

The reply was immediate: My office. 3 PM today. My assistant will send the details.

I checked the time. Four hours. Just enough to shower, sleep, and try to piece my life together.

No pressure.

—

I woke to my alarm blaring. 2 PM. Crap.

I rushed through a shower, threw on fresh clothes, and sent quick texts to Zoe and Lily. Everything still good at the hospital?

Zoe's response came fast. All good. Focus on your meeting.

I barely made it out the door when my neighbor, Mrs. Kowalski, called from across the hall.

"Aria! Everything okay? I heard shouting the other night."

I forced a smile. "Just a family disagreement, Mrs. K. Nothing to worry about."

She didn't look convinced. "You know you can always come to me if you need anything, dear."

"I know. Thank you."

She patted my arm before disappearing into her apartment.

I made it to the hospital with minutes to spare.

Dr. Warren's assistant—a woman who looked like she could single-handedly run the Pentagon—barely glanced up when I arrived. "Ms. Thorne? The doctor will see you now."

I took a steadying breath and stepped into the office.

Dr. Warren sat behind a large desk, his expression unreadable. "Ms. Thorne, thanks for coming. Please, have a seat."

I sat, my pulse pounding.

He leaned forward. "We need to discuss Lily. And you."

My throat went dry. "What about us?"

He exhaled, pulling out a folder. "I've received some… concerning reports about your home situation."

My stomach dropped. "What kind of reports?"

"The kind that make me question whether it's safe for Lily to return home," he said, his tone grave.

It felt like the ground was crumbling beneath me.

"Dr. Warren," I started, voice shaking, "I can explain—"

A sharp knock at the door interrupted me. His assistant peeked inside.

"Apologies, Doctor, but there's an urgent call for Ms. Thorne. It concerns her sister."

My blood ran cold.

What now?