arguing

73

The next evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, I found myself on edge, anxiously awaiting Grace's arrival. She called me half an hour ago to ask if I was home and I said yes. My heart pounded with anticipation and dread, knowing that I would have to face her and maintain the facade of normalcy.

As the sound of her car pulling into the driveway reached my ears, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the confrontation that was sure to follow.

Grace stepped out of the car, her expression a mixture of concern and confusion as she approached me. "Lilian, I've been worried sick about you," she exclaimed, her voice laced with genuine concern. "I haven't seen you all day. Are you okay?"

I forced a weak smile, my stomach churning with guilt. "I'm fine, Grace," I replied, my voice strained with the effort of concealing the truth. "Damien asked me not to set foot in the hospital until I've fully recovered."

Grace's brows furrowed in concern as she reached out to touch my arm. "Oh,