The beeping of a machine was the first thing my mind registered before I opened my eyes.

Warmth squeezed my left hand slightly.

My attention turned there.

Dad laid his head at the side of my bed, his fingers laced with mine, while Mum laid her head on his back.

(Please don't leave me, Daddy.)

My throat closed up.

My eyes burned.

To think that he actually stayed.

I squeezed his hand softly.

He groaned, squeezing back.

Then he went still.

Suddenly, his head snapped up.

“Rosie?”

Mum woke up too.

“Oh my God,” she whispered, tears brimming in her eyes.

“Hey, residents,” I muttered weakly.

“Oh, Rosie.”

Mum rushed...