Jeanne's hands slipped from Gabriel's collar as if all the strength had drained from her body. Her chest caved as if the air had been knocked out of her, and for a moment, it felt like the world had stopped.
'Dead… my baby girl is dead…' The words echoed in her mind. Her knees gave out, and she dropped to the floor, her sobs racking her entire frame.
Gabriel stepped forward instinctively, his hand reaching toward her. But halfway there, he stopped himself, hesitated. His fingers curled into a fist, and he pulled his hand back, hardening his expression.
"There was no other way," he said flatly, as if detaching himself from her pain. "Your condition was critical. The doctors said the truth could break you mentally, emotionally. Maybe even kill you."
