LILLY.
The bathroom is quiet except for the soft sound of running water.
I steady Sierra with one hand as she leans slightly against the counter, her weight heavier than it should be, not because she can’t stand on her own but because she doesn’t try. Everything about her feels passive now, like she’s simply existing instead of living.
“Careful,” I murmur, guiding her as she rinses her hands.
She doesn’t respond. She hasn’t responded to much of anything in the last few days.
I reach for a towel and gently pat her hands dry before moving to fix the sleeve of her sweater. Her movements are slow and automatic, like she’s following instructions her body remembers even if her mind doesn’t.
Behind us, I can hear Aunt Ivy moving around the room: the soft zip of a suitcase closing and the quiet shuffle of clothes being adjusted. Every sound feels louder than usual, like the silence in Sierra is amplifying everything else.
After we are done, I guide her toward the door just as it opens, and Noah steps in.
His eyes go straight to Sierra, taking her in like he’s trying to memorize every inch of her. There’s guilt and regret in his expression. The same ones I saw yesterday when he finally came to see her.
For a moment, I think Aunt Ivy is going to throw a fit against him being here, but she doesn’t. I guess her worry overshadows her dislike for Noah.
“Are you ready?” he asks. His voice is steady, but there’s a tightness beneath it.
I nod. “Yeah. We’re done.”
He doesn’t say anything; he just moves so fast I barely see him. One second, he’s by the door; the next, he’s pulling Sierra out for my hands. He then helps Sierra sit on the wheelchair.
Once she’s seated, Noah pushes her out of the room while Aunt Ivy and I follow behind him with bags.
We walk past the nurse station. They tell us goodbye, wishing Sierra a quick recovery, but she doesn’t even spare them a glance. She faces forward, her eyes staring at nothing.



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