Vivianne was still shaken by the argument earlier. She noticed Sharlene quietly seated, emotionally drained. Vivianne had brought food for all three of them—she planned to stay and help however she could.

Clenching her fist, she glanced at Tashia, guilt weighing heavily on her chest. Part of her blamed herself for what happened to Ashley—for not warning Sharlene about her visions.

She sat beside Sharlene, both lost in silent thought.

“Don’t tell me you’re regretting it,” Vivianne said softly, letting out a quiet sigh.

Sharlene glanced at her, tired eyes full of confusion. “Was what I did… right?”

Vivianne hesitated. “I can’t say slapping them was right. But bottling up your anger isn’t healthy either. Maybe… it was just the wrong moment.”

Sharlene didn’t respond, only giving a weak nod.

“I don’t know anymore,” she whispered. “My head’s spinning. I just… don’t know what to do.”

Vivianne gently tapped her shoulder, debating whether to finally tell the truth.

“You know… I think it’s my fault too… that Ashley got hurt,” she admitted, leaning back and staring at the ceiling.

Sharlene looked at her, puzzled.

“I had a vision—more like a dream—before the accident. I saw Ashley crying, in a hospital gown. She looked so… helpless.” Vivianne’s voice cracked. “If I hadn’t ignored it—if I had said something—maybe she’d still be laughing right now.”

Tears welled in Vivianne’s eyes as silence fell over them.

Tashia finally spoke. “We can’t turn back time, sis. All we can do is believe Ashley will get better—and come back to us smiling.”

Sharlene wiped her tears. “She’s strong,” she said, managing a faint smile. “My Ashley is brave.”

“What’s your plan now?” Vivianne asked gently.

Sharlene let out a hollow laugh. “I’m sorry, but… can I delay the payment again?”

Vivianne smiled. “Of course. Just focus on Ashley. The rest can wait.”

They shared a quiet chuckle of relief. The waiting area was mostly empty now, save for a few hospital staff resting nearby. They ate, freshened up, and discussed who would stay to watch over Ashley. With Tashia juggling school and work, they agreed to share responsibilities.

Since it was Saturday, they decided to stay in the hospital together.

Morning came. Sharlene remained seated in the waiting area, occasionally peeking through the ICU window to check on Ashley. They were only allowed brief glimpses each time.

Vivianne silently prayed. If she could trade places, she would. She knew how much Sharlene was relying on them.

Sharlene eventually excused herself—she had a school meeting, likely regarding the tragedy.

Tashia sat quietly, scrolling on her phone, still wide awake from yesterday’s adrenaline rush.

Vivianne noticed doctors and nurses entering Ashley’s room. Soon, a nurse emerged and approached them.

“Mrs. Francisco?” she called.

Vivianne stood quickly. “Ashley’s mom stepped out for a bit. I’m her aunt. She asked me to stay.”

The nurse nodded gravely. “The child’s pulse rate is dropping.”

Vivianne froze. Her heart sank. Words failed her.

“Tashia,” she gasped, “call your sister. Now.”

Tashia quickly sent a message to Sharlene. Please, not Ashley. Not the child. She prayed silently, holding back panic.

“Tashia, wait for your sister outside,” Vivianne instructed.

Rushing inside, she saw Ashley being resuscitated. Her pulse had weakened, but she was responding. Relief washed over Vivianne, though fear lingered.

“The child needs a ventilator,” the doctor explained. “She’s struggling to breathe on her own, and it’s affecting her pulse rate.”

Vivianne watched as they carefully inserted tubes into Ashley’s nose and mouth.

“Will she be okay now?” she asked.

“Yes, ma’am. We’re stabilizing her.”

Just then, Sharlene burst into the room, her face pale and frantic.

“W—what happened, doctor? Why is she on a ventilator?”

“She had an attack, ma’am. Her breathing was shallow, and her pulse dropped. We had to act fast.”

Sharlene nodded slowly, trying to process everything. “Is she breathing better now?”

“She’s stabilizing. Thankfully, her body is responding well to the medications. We hope she’ll wake up soon.”

The doctor left them alone.

Vivianne saw Sharlene fighting to stay strong. She gently tapped her arm. “Come on, take a breath.”

“I—I’ll just stay here for a while,” Sharlene said, eyes locked on her daughter.

Vivianne nodded and quietly left, letting mother and child have their moment.