The dim light of the hospital room was accompanied only by the steady beeping of the monitor. Rosemary’s grandfather lay weak on the bed, oxygen tubes fixed to his nose, his eyes opening briefly before sliding shut again. Silence wrapped the room until a soft knock came at the door.

“Excuse me… may I come in?” Cassandra’s voice floated in, gentle, dripping with pretense.

The nurse on duty turned. “Family?”

Cassandra offered a warm smile. “A family friend. I came because I deeply care about his condition.”

Rosemary’s grandfather slowly opened his eyes. Though frail, he tried to smile. “Who… are you?”

Cassandra stepped closer, taking a seat beside the...