Freya.

I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat feeling like a stone. My legs felt heavy as I stepped closer toward Elaine, forcing the words out even though my voice shook.

“Actually, the thing is…”

Tears stung behind my eyes, hot and threatening. I couldn’t hold them back anymore. They rolled down my cheeks in silent streams, my chest twisting painfully like someone was squeezing my heart with bare hands. I could feel everyone’s burning gazes on me, sharp, irritated, and disgusted. The air in the room grew thicker, heavier. I didn’t want another scene. Not today. Not when my grandma was fighting for her life.

I quickly forced...