Page 27

My childhood home stands dark and silent against the night sky as I slow to pass it. The packhouse, once bustling with life, is eerily quiet. Shadows flit across the windows, and I’m hit by an overwhelming sense of nostalgia mixed with dread. I never thought I would come back here, not after everything that happened.

Finally reaching the hospital, I park where I notice my mother’s car, but before I step out, I pull my phone from my pocket and quickly type a message to Soren, my fingers trembling as I hit send.

Just arrived at the hospital. I’ll call you later.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart before exiting the vehicle. I lock the car before making my way toward the hospital entrance. The familiar scents of the surrounding woods are both comforting and haunting.

Inside, the hospital is dimly lit, with fluorescent lights buzzing overhead. I stride down the sterile corridors, the walls closing in on me.

Finally, I arrive in the room. I push the door open and step inside, the reality of the situation hitting me like a tidal wave.

Inside, my father lies motionless, surrounded by machines beeping rhythmically. I fight back tears as I take a seat beside him, holding his hand in mine. He was once a towering figure in stature and presence, whose stern demeanor commanded respect and instilled a sense of awe. Seeing him now, frail and vulnerable, fills me with sorrow and disbelief.

Despite the fear he sometimes inspired, my heart aches for him. My mother arrives moments later, her eyes red-rimmed and weary. The vibrant energy she used to carry has faded, replaced by a weariness that makes her seem unrecognizable.

“Aubrey!” She rushes to my side, pulling me into a tight embrace. “I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve been trying to reach you for months!” She holds me at arm’s length, looking me over from head to toe. “I can’t believe you’ve finally returned,” she sobs, clutching me again, and I awkwardly pat her back.

I pull back, confusion swirling in my mind. “What happened?” My voice trembles as I search her face for answers.

She takes a deep breath, her expression heavy. “Rhett came looking for you at home. He—he attacked your father and was ranting about us keeping you from him; ever since he has been a thorn in our side. He keeps reporting your father’s shipments; this last one must have sent him over the edge because he was fine yesterday morning. Then I got a call saying he had a heart attack.”

My stomach drops. “What do you mean? I thought you told Rhett where I was?”

She looks at me confused. “We refused to tell him where you were. But he didn’t take no for an answer. He threatened your father, he said he’d finish him off unless we told him where to find you. I didn’t, then he learned of your grandmother, I tried to call to warn her he was on his way, but her phone was disconnected. Then yesterday, your father’s export license was taken, and he had a heart attack.”

Guilt hits me like a bullet. “It’s my fault he’s in here.”

“No,” my mother insists, her eyes fierce. “You had to protect yourself. I knew you’d be safe with your grandmother.”

I take a deep breath, steeling myself to share the news I’ve been dreading. “Grandma is gone, Mom,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Her face paling as her hands go to her mouth.

Her face crumbles and tears spill down her cheeks. “No… no, not your grandmother…” She collapses into a chair, grief washing over her like a shadow.

“I’m so sorry, Mom. I—”

“Stop,” she interrupts, wiping her tears. “We’ll mourn later. Right now, we need to focus on your father.”

I nod, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders and I squeeze my father’s hand tighter, wishing for a miracle.

“What are the doctors saying?” I ask her and she swallows thickly looking at my father. “The doctors decided to put him in an induced coma. His heart was under too much stress, and they needed to give it time to heal. By keeping him in a coma, they can control his body functions and reduce any further damage while they stabilize his condition.”

After a few moments, my mother stands. “I’m going to get us some coffee. I’ll be right back.” She walks out of the room, leaving me alone with the steady beeping of the machines.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I pull it out to find Soren’s name on the screen. I answer quickly, needing to hear his voice. “Bree?” he says, concern lacing his tone.

“My dad is in an induced coma,” I reply, trying to keep my voice steady.

“What hospital?” he asks, urgency creeping into his voice.

“Blackwood Hospital.”

“I will head there straight after my meeting tomorrow,”

I sigh. “No, I’ll be back in a few days. Then we need to talk, Soren. I have to tell you something.”

“Okay,” he replies, his voice calming me even amidst the chaos.