Chapter 3

Fortunately, timely medical intervention ensured the elderly woman's life was no longer in danger, and she was now resting peacefully in her hospital bed. I heard hurried footsteps coming from behind and knew without turning around that it was Dean.

He anxiously checked on her and was visibly relieved when he confirmed she was stable. Turning to me, he awkwardly licked his lips, guilt written all over his face.

"I'm sorry," he said. "I thought you were overreacting at the time. If I'd known how serious it was, I would've taken Mom to the hospital right away. Honestly, fighting with…