Pushed by the crowd, Vanessa entered Evelyn’s room. By then, Evelyn was on her last breath, her mind clouded.She didn’t recognize anyone else, only Vanessa.Sitting by her bed, Vanessa fed her water. Still, she called her "Aunt Evelyn," never "Mom," not even in death’s embrace. Evelyn clutched Vanessa’s hand, tears endlessly tracing paths down her cheeks. “Vanessa, you still won’t forgive us, will you?”Vanessa remained silent, setting down the teacup. “Aunt Evelyn, you should rest early. I’ll come see you again tomorrow.”“Don’t go, Vanessa, don’t go.” Evelyn mustered every last ounce of her strength, gripping Vanessa’s hand. “Don’t go. Mom doesn’t know how many more times she’ll get to see you. Don’t be so heartless, please?”Behind the door, Adrian couldn’t help but light a cigarette, hoping to glimpse even a flicker of softening in Vanessa through Evelyn. But there was none.She pulled her hand free. “Aunt Evelyn, I still have to go back. This isn’t my home.”“If this isn’t your
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