Left

Rain pelted against the windows of Elara’s car as she sped toward the Hospital. Her mother had been admitted there for months.

“John?” Elara called her younger brother as she parked. “Pack your essentials and Mom’s medications. We’re leaving Texas today.”

“What? Elara, what’s going on?” Her seventeen-year-old brother’s voice was thick with confusion.

“I’ll explain everything later. Just do as I say. And John? Don’t tell anyone where you’re going.”

She rushed through the familiar corridors to her mother’s room. Rose sat in bed, looking frail, but better than she had in days. John was already there, his confused eyes meeting Elara’s as she entered.

“Elara?” Rose reached for her daughter’s hand. “Sweetheart, what’s wrong?”

“Mom, we need to leave. Now.” Elara began gathering her mother’s belongings. “I’ve booked us flights to California. We leave in three hours.”

“Flights? But Mom’s still recovering,” John protested.

“Your sister wouldn’t do this without reason,” Rose said quietly, studyi