My mother stumbled from the hospital room to the entrance, her heart racing with fear as she saw my brother get into a taxi. She pulled out her phone, dialing as she drove, chasing after him. Each call was met with disconnection, yet she redialed repeatedly.

“Please pick up, Lukie.”

“I was wrong, Lukie. Please answer.”

Before her words could finish, tears fell onto her phone. I sat in the passenger seat, watching her, feeling nothing but sorrow as I became increasingly transparent. I reached out to cover her eyes and leaned close to her ear, whispering, “I will never forgive you and Dad.”

My mother shuddered, and I knew...