ZACH’S POV

"I was flying, Daddy. Like a bird. It was so pretty up there," she said in a reverent hushed whisper.

"That sounds amazing," I said, smiling back at her. "You’ve always had the best dreams."

We talked quietly for a while, my heart breaking a little more with each mention of Selena. Joan loved her mother deeply, and despite everything, I knew Selena loved Joan too. But love wasn't always enough.

After a while, Joan drifted back to sleep, and I was left alone with my thoughts. The room was quiet except for the soft hum of the machines and Joan's steady breathing. I felt a heavy weight...