I tightened my fingers around the metal railing of Leo’s hospital crib.
“Mother, I need you to listen carefully because I’m only going to say this once.”
Her laughter came through the speaker like breaking glass.
“Oh, please don’t start another emotional performance when I have fifty people waiting for photographs.”
“Leo is fighting a serious infection, and his doctors are preparing to put a breathing tube into his lungs.”
“Then let them do their jobs and stop acting like you’re the only mother who’s ever had a sick child.”
I watched David’s jaw tighten, but he remained silent.
“Are you telling me that Chloe’s birthday party matters more to you than your four-year-old grandson’s life?”
“Don’t twist my words, Clara, because you know perfectly well that family obligations require sacrifices.”
I swallowed the bitter taste rising in my throat.
“Then sacrifice your reputation for once, because I’m not sacrificing my son.”
