: : : Kieran : : :
I swirl the amber liquid in my glass, watching the way the light catches against it before taking a slow sip. The burn of whiskey slides down my throat, but it does nothing to dull the weight pressing on my chest. Across from me, Sophie lays motionless on the bed, her face pale, her breathing steady but weak.
Taylor is curled up beside her, holding onto her hand as if her grip alone could bring Sophie back. Her voice is small when she asks, “How much longer is this gonna take…?”
Connor exhales, rubbing a hand down his face. “The doctors said they’ve done all they can. It’s up to her now,”
Silence stretches between us. The kind that lingers too long, too heavy, like it’s waiting to be broken by something none of us want to hear.
Taylor occasionally glances at me and
