Lily sat in the hospital waiting area, her anxiety intensifying with each passing minute. She kept glancing at the clock, willing the hands to move faster. Every time a doctor or nurse walked by, her heart would skip a beat, hoping they were bringing news about her mother.
The hours felt interminable. She tried to distract herself with magazines and her phone, but nothing could keep her mind off the surgery. She replayed her conversation with Nick over and over in her head, grateful for his help but also filled with a deep sense of awe at his generosity. She made a silent promise to herself to find a way to repay him, no matter what.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Dr. Smith walked into the waiting area, his face calm and reassuring. Lily stood up quickly, her heart pounding i
