When Briony returned to the hospital, it was already past ten.

Gina was making up the bed, and looked up in surprise when Briony walked in. "Ms. Kensington? I thought you weren't coming tonight."

Julia, sitting up in her hospital bed, gave her a curious look. "Bryn, what brings you here so late?"

Briony stepped inside and closed the door behind her. "I think I left my coat here."

"This one, right?" Julia handed her the down jacket from the side of the bed. "The weather forecast says there's going to be a big snowstorm. You need to stay warm."

Briony took the coat and nodded. "I will. Thanks, Mom."

"If there's nothing else, you should get home and rest.” Julia squeezed her hand gently, frowning. "Why are your hands so cold? Are you feeling sick?"

Briony managed a faint smile. "No, it's just winter. My hands are always cold this time of year."

Julia was quiet for a moment, then suddenly said, "Bryn, Christmas Eve is only five days away."

Briony paused, caught off guard, then gave a helpless little laugh. "I've been so busy lately, I completely lost track of time."

Julia held her daughter's hand and sighed. "You've been running back and forth between work and the hospital. I bet you haven't even had time to prepare for the holidays, have you?"

Briony hesitated, then admitted, "Not really. I'll try to find some time to go shopping in the next few days."

come with

can't leave the

treatment, but I still want to spend Christmas like everyone else!" Julia shot her a

at a loss

Dr. Cedric Clarke had convinced her to stay for treatment by saying she

Julia to suspect anything, Briony offered a reassuring smile. "I'll talk to Dr.

“Dr. Clarke is such a good man—I'm sure he'll say

left the room, Briony reached into her coat pocket to check on the envelope

breathed a quiet sigh of relief, glanced back at the room, and slipped away

Briony was back at

asking about what needed

ready for surgery. According to her last test results, she'll need at

me to take her out for a few hours today? She'd love to get

her good. Just make sure she's back before

now, but you'll need to keep her warm, and she shouldn't be out alone. Watch out for

careful note of his instructions.

called that morning and delivered the car right to

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255