EXCHANGED

Alanna

"The truth cuts deeper than any blade, especially when it’s hidden in the shadows of those we trust."

I’ve always believed that there’s a certain weight to silence. The kind that wraps around you, squeezes until you can hardly breathe, and then just sits there, a heavy, oppressive thing. Today, that silence is louder than ever. It hums in my ears as I stand in the hospital corridor, staring blankly at the sterile, white walls.

The phone rang, and when I saw Dad’s name on the screen, I felt a familiar knot tighten in my stomach. I picked up, trying to steady my voice.

“Dad?”

There was a long pause on the other end, the kind that made your heart race because you knew bad news was coming.

“Alanna,” he said, his voice clipped, almost emotionless. “Your mother’s taken a turn for the worse. The doctors... they don’t think she has much time left.”

I swallowed hard, my throat tightening. “How bad is it?”

“She’s not going to make it through the week,” he replied, the words heavy, alm