Out in the yard, the two children were laughing and playing with Stewart, their voices bright and joyful, carrying through the crisp winter air and into the house.

Briony watched them through the window, a gentle smile softening her features. "Star, help me take a few more photos and videos, would you?" she asked quietly. Stella's heart felt heavy, but she kept her expression calm as she nodded. "Of course." She reached for the camera and began snapping shots from every angle she could find.

In the snowy garden, Stewart crouched beside a snowman, the children flanking him on either side. The three of them turned together, glancing back at Briony as if drawn by the same thought.

Separated by the glass of the French doors, their eyes met-mother and father, son and daughter-a family united by a single, silent gaze.

Briony lifted her hand, her fingertips pressing gently against the cold pane.

Click.

Stella captured the moment perfectly.

She stared at the image on the camera's screen, her breath catching, tears stinging at her eyes.

Clarke had said that if a donor couldn't be found soon, Briony

spilled over, and Stella turned away quickly, wiping her face before anyone

and her husband arrived with James Delaney. Briony was too tired to entertain guests for

only Stewart and a

days. She'd pushed herself to stay awake while the children were there, but now, with the house empty, she returned to her bedroom and collapsed onto the bed, drifting into a deep, exhausted sleep without even removing her

over the room. Briony was slumped against the headboard, sleeping so deeply that even in rest, her brow was furrowed with

woman who had fought so hard, for so long. His chest ached with helpless sorrow. He knew how brave she'd been, holding on for the sake

in, but

gathered again for a consultation. The prognosis was grim.

wake her. Instead, he slipped into the bathroom and brought back a

Briony felt something cool brushing gently over her face. Her eyes fluttered

face.

so tired, her mind clouded and sluggish. She managed a faint sound of agreement, then

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