In "Family Ties," the Moretti family is everything, or so they thought. But beneath the surface of loyalty lies a web of betrayal and lies. In the heart of this tangled mess, the Morettis struggle to find their footing, torn apart by secrets and dec...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
I stood in the hospital hallway, trying to gather my thoughts before approaching the nurse's station. My heart pounded as I considered the possibility that something terrible had happened to my mother. Finally, I stepped forward.
"Excuse me, I wanted to get an update on Athena Brown," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
The doctor looked at me briefly before asking, "And you are?"
"I'm her daughter," I replied, and he nodded as if he expected that.
"Your mother declined to move forward with the rape kit—"
"Excuse me, rape kit?" I interrupted, feeling a jolt of panic and confusion.
The doctor's expression softened. "Your mother was brutally assaulted. We wanted to conduct the kit to assist the police in their investigation and hopefully catch the guys responsible, but she refused."
"Guys? There was more than one?" I asked, my voice trembling.
The doctor hesitated before answering. "The DNA results indicate there were three males involved."
I felt like I couldn't breathe. "I'm sorry, Doctor, this is a lot to take in. Um... can I see her?" I asked, needing to confirm she was okay with my own eyes.
"I understand, but she's requested no visitors at this time. I'll let her know you stopped by," he said sympathetically before walking away.
Feeling helpless, I made my way to Ezra's room where Annalise was waiting.
"Is she okay?" Annalise asked, jumping up from the couch the moment she saw me.
"She's doing better," I replied, trying to sound convincing.
"Can I go see her?" she asked eagerly.
"She's not really up for visitors right now," I said gently.
"Is it because of what I said to her? Is she mad at me?" Annalise's voice wavered, and I quickly knelt down to her level.
"No, she could never be mad at you. She's just really tired. How about this—you still have time to make it to school. Once you're done, we can try to see her again, okay?" I offered.
"You're really gonna make me go to school?" she groaned, crossing her arms.
"Yes, get your stuff. Shanice is in the lobby, she's gonna take you," I said, handing her the backpack.
"Who put you in charge?" she grumbled.
"Since Athena is recovering and I'm the oldest I put myself in charge, now go," I said firmly, and she rolled her eyes.
"Whatever," she mumbled, heading out.
"Love you," I called after her.
"Love you too," she responded, her tone dripping with sarcasm as she walked out the door.
