Chapter 79

Trey

The flight stretches on longer than expected, offering only a brief hour layover—a compromise I had to settle for given the urgency. Kiara throws up several more times, amplifying the worry that had already taken hold before we boarded the flight.

As we navigate the airport in haste during the inconvenient layover, my thoughts are overwhelmed by the fear that time is slipping away, that Mom might pass before I can reach her. The haunting notion of never seeing her or hearing her voice again weighs heavily on my mind.

Once we finally arrive at the hospital, my concern deepens. Kiara may need to be admitted before the night is over. I've never seen someone so sick, it can't just be a stomach bug. What if it's something more severe? The unbearable scenario of losing both my mom and the love of my life plays out vividly in my thoughts.

In the waiting room, we encounter Candy, Jeremiah, and unexpectedly, William. Candy is knocked out, Jeremiah is engrossed in his phone, and