POV: Allison

The lobby was bustling; nurses shuffled papers, patients chatted in low voices, and the far-off sound of a baby crying cut through the air. Everything felt surreal, a world within a world, where lives hung in the balance. Ray gave everyone a stern look, warning us to be on guard.

He approached the receptionist, his demeanor shifting to one of confidence. He introduced himself, asking about the specific room number where my mother was located. I stood a little away, anxiety bubbling as I glanced around at the various faces. Was she here? Would she know I was coming?

"What if she sees me first? What if she's...