Chapter Thirty

Cassie was filled with joy as she walked into her mother's hospital room. Her heart swelled with happiness when she saw her mom sitting up in bed, looking better than she had in weeks.

"Hello, Mom!" Cassie exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement. She rushed over and enveloped her mother in a tight hug.

"Hey, my love," her mom replied softly, returning the embrace. But then, she turned her face away, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "I thought you'd forgotten about me."

Cassie's heart sank at her mom's words. She felt a pang of guilt for not visiting more often. "I'm so sorry, Mom," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "I've been so busy, but I never forgot about you."

Tears welled up in Cassie's eyes as she realized how much her absence had hurt her mom. She knew she had to make it up to her somehow.

"It's just... your husband, he... he always comes to check up on me," her mom continued, her voice trailing off.

"I promise, Mom," Cassie said, her voice filled with determ