"Bella is smart. She can handle it." Noah's voice was firm. "She has resources. I heard she is from a rich family. She has tutors and time and money. Krystal has nothing. She has a sick mother and a deadline and no one to help her."
Mira shook her head. "I can't just—"
"Please, Mira." Krystal's voice was barely a whisper. "For my mom's sake. Please."
Mira looked at her, at the tears, the desperation, the exhaustion. She looked at Noah, at the serious expression, the protective stance, the way his hand rested on Krystal's shoulder.
She thought about Bella. About the long hours they had spent together, the research, the slides, the careful planning. She thought about how excited Bella had been, how proud.
She thought about Krystal's mother. About the surgery, the hospital, the fear.
"Okay," Mira said, her voice small. "Okay. I'll do it."
Krystal's face lit up. "Really?"
Mira nodded weakly. "Really."
