Olivia
The weight of the situation pressed down on me, my heart fluttering in my chest like a trapped bird. “I can’t do this, Angela,” I whispered, feeling the world shrink around me. “I just can’t.”
Angela’s hands cupped my face, pulling me back to the harsh reality of the moment. “Olivia,” she said firmly, her eyes searching mine, “you don’t have a choice. We can’t drive you to the hospital now; it would be too dangerous.”
“But—” The words stuck in my throat, tears threatening to spill.
Nathan’s hand squeezed mine, his touch grounding me. “Liv, trust Angela. We’re right here with you.”
Angela’s resolute voice snapped me back to focus. “We’re going upstairs. Now.”
Supported by Nathan and Angela, we made our way up the stairs. The familiar ascent felt so different—e
