Chapter 4

"No way! How could..."

Andrew's eyes shook, slowly turning to me.

"That can't be right. Her mom was so strong. How could she just be gone?!"

The nurse on the phone was at a loss for words. "The lady had a heart condition and couldn't handle stress. We sent out the death notice the day before yesterday, sir. Didn't you know?"

The phone slipped from Andrew's grasp, hitting the floor as panic took over his face. "Jessica, this has to be some sick joke you're playing on me, right?"

I fought the overwhelming urge to gasp for air, but no words came out, just silent tears.

Andrew could not lie to himself anymore. As I passed out and started convulsing, he dialed for an ambulance, his eyes filled with a worry and urgency I had never seen. "Jessica, you can't… Nothing can happen to you!"

…

When I came to, I was in the hospital.

Andrew was there, gently holding my hand, his eyes resting on the rashes on my face. His voice was rough with emotion. "Jessica, I'm so sorry. I had no idea you