AURORA

Sorry For Your Loss

Aurora returned to her hospital room, her heart heavy with guilt and sorrow. She lay back in bed, staring up at the ceiling as tears silently rolled down her cheeks. She couldn't shake the image of Mia lying motionless behind the glass, still in a coma. The weight of her decisions bore down on her, and she struggled to find solace in the quiet hospital room.
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Days passed slowly. Wanda's condition improved gradually, and she was able to move around with some assistance. She visited Aurora often, their conversations filled with unspoken apologies and silent understanding. Wanda knew Aurora was punishing herself enough without additional reproach.

Yelena and Kate eventually returned home, their departure marked by a tense farewell. Yelena remained guarded, her trust in Aurora shaken deeply by recent events. Kate, though saddened by Mia's condition and Aurora's choices, offered a more sympathetic farewell, expressing hope for healing and redemption.

Stephen checked on Aurora daily, his concern evident despite his typically reserved demeanor. He brought news of Mia's stable but unchanged condition, trying to offer reassurance amidst the lingering tension.
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One afternoon, Aurora found herself standing once again outside Mia's room. She peered through the glass, her heart aching at the sight of her friend lying still, connected to machines that monitored her fragile state. Aurora pressed her hand against the cool glass, willing Mia to wake up, to forgive her for the choices that had led them all into this painful reality.

Inside the room, Mia remained oblivious to Aurora's presence, her body suspended in a quiet battle between life and whatever lay beyond. Aurora closed her eyes briefly, sending a silent plea into the void, hoping against hope for a miracle. "Just a Lawyer" she whispered.

Back in her room, Aurora sank onto her bed, exhaustion and despair weighing heavily upon her. She clutched Mia's bracelet tightly in her hand, a tangible reminder of her friend's absence and the consequences of her actions.

As night fell, Aurora drifted into a fitful sleep, her dreams haunted by the faces of those she had failed to protect and the words of those she had unintentionally hurt. The hospital room remained silent, the only sound the steady hum of machines and the soft sighs of a troubled soul seeking redemption in the darkness.
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The next morning, Stephen's nurse friend, Rachel, gently broached a difficult topic as she checked on Mia. She approached Stephen with a somber expression, her voice quiet.

"Stephen, we need to discuss Mia's condition," Rachel began carefully. "Her brain activity hasn't shown any signs of improvement. She's technically... brain dead."

Stephen's heart sank, the weight of Rachel's words hitting him like a physical blow. He nodded silently, struggling to process the devastating news. Rachel continued, her tone sympathetic but practical.

"We have to consider the possibility of disconnecting her from life support," Rachel explained softly. "It's a decision that needs to be made soon. Contact her family..."

Stephen nodded again, his throat tight with emotion. "I'll... I'll talk to Aurora," he managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper.

Meanwhile, in her room, Aurora woke up to another day filled with the crushing weight of guilt and sorrow. She sat up slowly, her thoughts immediately drifting back to Mia. She clutched the bracelet tightly, tears welling up in her eyes as she recalled the image of her friend lying motionless.

A knock on the door startled her, and Wanda entered quietly, her expression filled with concern and sadness. She approached Aurora, sitting down beside her on the bed.

"Aurora, how are you holding up?" Wanda asked gently, reaching out to place a comforting hand on Aurora's shoulder.

Aurora looked at Wanda, her eyes brimming with tears. "I... I can't believe this is happening," she whispered hoarsely. "Mia... she's like this because of me."