What are our chances?

Flowers

The California sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over Kat as she settled onto Damian's bed. She propped herself and her laptop up with pillows before tapping the screen, and connecting her to her mom's familiar face. Excitement bubbled in her voice as she recounted her whirlwind weekend in Vegas with Damian.

"Mom, you won't believe the incredible bands we saw and the people we met!" Kat gushed, her animated gestures reflected in the digital screen. "I wish you could've been there, I met Green Day, can you believe that?"

Marie's smile didn't quite reach her eyes, and Kat noticed a subtle shift in her demeanor. As she spoke, she could sense that something was amiss. A knot formed in her stomach, and she paused in her narration, concern etched on her features. "Mom, is everything okay? You don't seem like yourself."

Marie's gaze turned somber, and she let out a heavy sigh. "Katherine, there's something I need to tell you." Her voice quivered, betraying her emotions.

Kat's heart skipped a beat, dread gnawing at her. "What is it, Mom? You're scaring me."

Marie's lips trembled as she continued, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "It's about Grandma. She's not doing well, sweetheart. The doctors have told us that... well, they've told us to start preparing ourselves for the inevitable."

The world seemed to pause as Kat's mind struggled to process the words. Her throat tightened, and tears welled up in her eyes. "No, Mom. That can't be true." Her voice trembled as the reality sank in. Her beloved grandmother, her confidante and source of endless love, was slipping away.

Marie's tears finally broke free, and her voice shook as she spoke. "I'm so sorry, Kat. I wish I could've shielded you from this pain."

A sob caught in Kat's throat as she wiped away her own tears. "I have to come home, Mom. I can't just stay here knowing that... that she might not have much time left."

Through her own tears, Marie mustered a weak smile. "Oh, Kat. Your Nanna loves you so much. But remember, she's always wanted you to live your life to the fullest. She wouldn't want you to cut your summer short because of her."

Kat's chest tightened as she struggled between her desire to be by her grandmother's side and her longing to stay with Damian, to cherish every moment of their blossoming romance. She shook her head, her voice laced with determination. "I can't, Mom. I need to be there. I can't forgive myself if I don't get to say goodbye."

After several minutes of tearful exchanges, Kat closed her laptop, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions. She took a deep, shuddering breath before descending the stairs, her steps heavy and uncertain. In the kitchen, Damian's animated voice carried, filling the air with enthusiasm. She pushed open the door, her red and puffy eyes a stark contrast to his joyful expression.

Damian's bright eyes immediately softened as he noticed Kat's distress. His phone was pressed to his ear, but he quickly murmured his apologies and ended the call. Without hesitation, he crossed the distance between them and pulled her into his embrace.

Kat's sobs found release against Damian's strong shoulder, her grip on him desperate and needy. He held her close, his touch a soothing balm to her wounded heart. In his arms, she felt safe to let go, to express the grief that had taken hold of her.

When Kat's sobs began to subside, Damian gently pulled back, his gaze searching hers. "What happened, Kat? Tell me."

Her voice quivered as she recounted the heart-wrenching conversation with her mother. The raw pain of the moment seemed to echo in the silence that followed, as if the weight of their collective emotions hung heavily in the room.