The hospital smelled of antiseptic and quiet despair. Isabella Hart stood outside Room 317, her palm pressed against the cold glass, watching the steady rise and fall of her mother’s chest. Tubes and wires framed the frail woman on the bed, machines blinking and beeping like reminders that time was running out. Every sound felt too loud. Every second felt borrowed. “Miss Hart.” Isabella turned. The nurse stood beside her, clipboard tucked to her chest, eyes gentle but tired. She had delivered this look before. Isabella could tell. “The payment deadline was yesterday,” the nurse said softly. “The billing department needs confirmation by noon.” Isabella nodded, even though her throat burned. “I understand,” she whispered. The nurse hesitated, then added, “I’m sorry.” When the nurse walked away, Isabella let her forehead rest against the glass. The numbers replayed in her mind, sharp and merciless. $18,472.63. Her bank balance was sixty-four dollars. Sixty-four. She steppe
Last Updated : 2025-12-20 Read more