Fragments of Us

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Night

The living room radiated warmth, the kind that only years of love and family could create. Richard was slouched on the couch, laughing uncontrollably, his eyes watering as Anna teased him with her sharp humor. She was animated, her hands moving expressively as she recounted a funny story from her day.

   “You’re impossible, Anna,” Richard said between bursts of laughter.

   “And you’re too easy to amuse,” she shot back with a playful smirk, leaning into his shoulder.

Lila, standing in the doorway, rolled her eyes affectionately. “You two are ridiculous. Do you ever stop bickering like newlyweds?”

   “Why would we?” Anna replied, raising an eyebrow. “Keeps the love alive.”

Milo sat in the corner of the room, a soft smile tugging at his lips as he watched his parents banter. Moments like these were rare gems, and he wanted to treasure them.

But the serenity shattered in an instant.

Anna’s laughter abruptly stopped, her expression twisting into one of pain. She clutched her chest, her breath hitching.

   “Richard…” she murmured, her voice weak.

Richard’s smile disappeared, replaced by panic. He straightened up, his hands reaching for her. “Anna? What’s wrong?”

She gasped, struggling for air, her face pale and drawn.

   “Mom?” Milo’s voice cracked as he rushed to her side.

   “Call an ambulance!” Richard barked, his voice trembling.

Lila fumbled with her phone, her hands shaking as she dialed. “Mom, hold on,” she cried, tears already streaming down her face.

Anna’s head drooped against Richard’s shoulder, her breaths shallow and uneven.

The ambulance arrived quickly, but to Milo, the minutes stretched endlessly. In the back of the vehicle, Milo clung to Anna’s hand, his tears falling onto her skin.

   “Stay with us, Mom,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “Please, don’t leave us.”

***

The hospital was cold and sterile, the bright fluorescent lights harsh against the weight of the night. Nurses and doctors rushed Anna into the emergency room, leaving the family in the waiting area.

Milo paced, his fists clenched, tears streaming down his face. Lila sat with her head in her hands, her sobs muffled. Richard remained silent, staring at the floor, his hands clasped tightly as if in prayer.

Time crawled by, each second heavier than the last. Finally, a doctor stepped into the room. His face was solemn, his movements careful.

Milo froze, his breath hitching.

   “I’m sorry,” the doctor said softly. “We did everything we could, but her heart… it gave out.”

   “No,” Milo whispered, shaking his head in disbelief. “No, that’s not true.”

Lila let out a guttural sob, collapsing into Richard’s arms. Richard sat motionless, his face buried in his hands.

Milo couldn’t breathe. He stumbled backward, the walls of the hospital closing in on him. He ran.

The night air was cold and biting, but Milo didn’t notice. He sat on the curb outside the hospital, his body trembling as he sobbed. His phone felt heavy in his hand as he dialed Atlas’s number.