A small mercy. Freedom promised in less than twenty four hours.
"That's fair," my father said, nodding once.
One by one they leaned in. My mother kissed my cheek. My father pressed a rare kiss to my forehead, his normally reserved demeanor fractured by quiet relief. Mrs Numero cupped my face in both hands. Even Richard's father touched my shoulder briefly.
And then they were gone.
The door closed. The room exhaled.
Silence returned.
I missed them immediately.
My gaze shifted to the far side of the room.
Richard stood near the door.
He looked like a man who wanted to run.
He had not been himself since I came to. The revelation about Sam had cut deeper than I thought.
Sam had not just been a friend.
He had been woven into Richard's childhood. His confidant. His blood. Cousin.
Can family complications be any worse?
"How are you feeling, Mrs Numero?" Doctor Sanders asked, stepping closer to the bed.
