I clutched Alexander's hand, my heart heavy. Our getaway plans shattered, replaced by hospital vigils with Alexander looking like a shadow of himself.

Who knew he loved his family this much. His cousin's sister visits all the time together with her mother.

Even though Emilia was difficult to handle, she was still loved by her family.

Emilia was put in a private ward with the best facilities and equipment.

“Cancel the trip,” Alexander instructed Larry one evening, “Grandma's condition worsened.”

Larry nodded sympathetically. “Consider it done.”

We expected Lily's semester break to bring a brief, welcome relief. However, Emilia's sudden coma altered everything.

Lily's arrival was approaching, but we couldn't...