The bright golden sunlight of a Thursday morning bounced off the quiet waves of the harbor, casting shimmering reflections across the stone pathway outside the hospital.At six-thirty, Vivian arrived early at St. Matthew Medical Center. She wore a tailored beige trench coat over a forest-green silk blouse and crisp black trousers. As she stepped out of her car, the cool autumn breeze rustled her dark hair. She reached into her coat pocket, her fingers lightly touching her father’s brass pocket watch before closing her hand around her car keys.Everything in her life had settled into a rare, harmonious rhythm. Her father’s name was clean, the pediatric wing was rising higher every day, and her relationship with Arthur and little Emma felt like a warm, protective haven.Yet as she crossed the polished marble floor of the main lobby, she noticed Nurse Clara standing near the reception desk, looking unusually tense."Good morning, Clara," Vivian said, slowing her pace as she approached. "
Last Updated : 2026-08-23 Read more