Tashia headed straight to the hospital after her class. Ashley had already been transferred to a private room, and the latest assessment brought a glimmer of hope—her medication was responding well. Another drug was helping dissolve the blood clot in her brain.
But despite the positive news, another matter demanded attention: helping Sharlene face the truth. Her sister still refused to speak to her husband—or to Sheila, the friend she once trusted.
Tashia's thoughts were racing as she walked down the hallway. Before she even realized it, she had arrived at the room and entered quickly.
Inside, Sharlene sat beside Ashley's bed, gently stroking her forehead. The little girl was still unconscious, her small body dependent on the oxygen tube that kept her breathing. Tashia's heart ached at the sight. Ashley had always been the warmest presence in their lives, and now she lay still, robbed of her hugs and laughter.
Tashia studied her niece. The bruises were fading, and the wounds were healing—slow progress, but progress nonetheless. She said a silent prayer, hoping that by the time Ashley woke up, the clot would be gone and her life no longer at risk.
"Have you eaten, Tash?" Sharlene asked softly, her eyes still on Ashley.
Tashia only nodded. "Vivianne's still at work," she added.
"Sis, our semestral break is coming up soon. Maybe I can help out more?" she offered.
Sharlene looked at her and gave a faint smile. "Thank you, Tashia."
"My professor suggested I take a leave," she mentioned after a pause.
"Is it paid? Will your salary continue?" Tashia asked gently.
Sharlene nodded weakly. "Maybe the owner and the other school leaders decided it's best for me to focus on Ashley."
"What will you do?"
"Well, if that's what they want, I'll accept it. I'm organizing my paperwork so it'll be easier to approve my leave."
"That's good," Tashia said. "And it'll give you a bit of rest too."
"Rest?" Sharlene scoffed lightly, shaking her head. "I can't rest. I need to find the truth—why all this happened in the first place and why the hatred runs so deep."
"If that's your choice… we're here for you," Tashia said sincerely.
"Is there a discount for your help?" Sharlene teased with a small grin.
Tashia raised her eyebrows in mock annoyance, then smiled. "What matters is keeping my niece safe."
"Thank you, Tashia," Sharlene said, her voice full of warmth. "You treat my child as your own. We may not be related by blood, but you've always made us feel like family."
Tashia didn't reply. She didn't need to. Even if they weren't bound by blood, she had always considered Sharlene her real sister. Sharlene had given her a chance—a home—and even enrolled her in a good school. That was enough.
"Do you need me to get anything?" she asked.
"Ah, yes," Sharlene said after thinking for a moment. "I forgot to buy something to drink." She took out her wallet.
"Just water?" Tashia asked.
"And maybe food for tomorrow. Thank you, Tash." Sharlene handed her some money.
Tashia nodded and headed out. Her things were nearby, but she didn't bother changing—she'd do that later. The hospital was close to several convenience stores and pharmacies.
She picked up everything Sharlene requested and returned quickly. As she re-entered the room, she noticed Sharlene fast asleep, still holding Ashley's hand.
Tashia quietly placed the groceries on the table, sat down, and watched them. They both needed rest. With a sigh, she opened her notebook and began studying—juggling her responsibilities the best she could.
The door creaked open. Expecting Vivianne, Tashia looked up.
Instead, it was Sheila—accompanied by a man she didn't recognize. He wasn't Martin.
Tashia's expression darkened. She closed her notebook.
"What are you doing here?" she asked sharply.
Sheila sighed. "That woman hasn't responded to my lawyer's letters. I'm having Sharlene arrested."
"If you were serious, you'd have brought the police with you," Tashia replied coolly.
She stood up, careful not to wake Sharlene.
"Don't cause a scene here," she added firmly.
Tashia grabbed Sheila by the arm and ushered her into the hallway, taking the woman by surprise.
"Leave," she ordered.
"She's the one who wronged me, or have you forgotten?" Sheila snapped.
Tashia was about to respond when Vivianne appeared.
"Then maybe I'll have you arrested instead," Vivianne said coldly.
Sheila raised her eyebrows. "Me?"
Vivianne smirked, eyeing the man beside Sheila. "Tired of Martin already?"
Sheila said nothing but gave Vivianne a withering look.
"I don't care about either of you," Sheila snapped. "I brought my lawyer to make sure that woman gives me what I deserve." She tossed a sealed envelope toward Tashia.
The man spoke politely. "Ma'am, let's go."
Vivianne let out a dry laugh as Sheila turned and walked away with the man, who shot them a dirty look before following.
"Witch," Tashia muttered under her breath as they disappeared down the hallway.
Back in the room, Sharlene was still asleep.
"Will you give that to me?" Vivianne asked, grabbing the envelope from Tashia's hands. "We'll make sure she gets it."
Tashia said nothing. She just sat back down and stared at Sharlene, silently praying her sister's sleep was peaceful—and that her past wouldn't continue haunting her.