Jacob arrived at the hospital shortly after nine in the morning, his stride steady but his expression tight. Worry lined his face despite his effort to appear calm, and the bright lights of the corridor did nothing to soften the fatigue in his eyes. As he approached Brad's room, voices drifted into the hallway, clear enough that he slowed his steps before reaching the door.
"I just do not understand how she can be so heartless," Rose was saying, her voice rising with indignation. "Her own brother is having major surgery today and she could not even bother to show up."
Jacob stepped inside just as Rose finished speaking. She turned to look at him, and for the briefest moment her face softened in expectation. Then she noticed he was alone. Her posture stiffened, her lips pressing together.
"So she really is not coming," Rose said, sniffing sharply. "I should have known. After everything we have done for her. Everything you have done for her."
