MICHAEL

My neck fills stiff and tired as I take in the hospital's antiseptic smell,

I’m standing between Levi’s bed and Jenna’s, my hands shoved into my pockets because if I don’t anchor them, I’ll start breaking things. Levi is cracked but alive. Jenna is talking trash through a concussion but at least they are both alive so this is still a win for us.

Or so I think.

A nurse walks in, eyes darting to the door before she speaks. I straighten immediately bracing myself for whatever bad news she's about to share.

“Mr. Hamilton,” she says softly. “There’s… an issue.”

Aliana’s head snaps up. “What kind of issue?”...