The kiss lasted only seconds, but time seemed suspended in Nina's quiet hospital room.
When they finally broke apart, both Alex and Linda stood frozen, breathing heavily, crushed under the weight of what had just happened.
Alex's eyes were wide with shock, his body rigid, his mind struggling to process it. What just happened?
"Mom, what… we just…" His words fractured in his throat, unable to name what had transpired between them.
Linda's hand flew to her mouth, horror spreading across her features. The impulse had been sudden, overwhelming... she'd acted without thought.
And now, seeing his panicked expression, reality hit her like a thunderbolt.
"Oh God," she whispered, stepping back as if distance could erase the moment. "Alex, I… I didn't mean… that was…"
What have I done? Why couldn't I wait for the right moment? Will he hate me? Look at me with disgust? Have I ruined everything?
The thoughts spiraled, sharp and cutting, threatening to undo her.
