Mia He said nothing for a long time, and in his silence, I tried to gather my thoughts, but a wave of panic swept over me. As the vehicle began to move, my heart raced. I had so many questions, so many things I wanted to confront Albert about. The silence stretched on. "Aren't you going to say anything?" He sighed. "I understand if you’re feeling betrayed," he said softly. "But everything I’ve done has been to protect you." "Protect me from what?" I swallowed thickly. " Is there something worse than what's happened tonight that I can expect?" He said nothing. I couldn't believe it, and I couldn't imagine what it could possibly be. "You really think I need this? My mom--" My heart skipped a beat. My mom. What about her operation? What was happening to her if Albert was here with me?

