I shook off my thoughts and focused on the present.

Ashton and I stopped by a neighborhood shop to pick up some snacks before heading to the hospital to visit Alice.

When we arrived, she was sitting on the hospital bed, staring out the window with a distant expression.

I took a deep breath. Alice was usually so cheerful—I wanted to bring back that energy.

With a dramatic flourish, I held up the drinks. "Princess, tea time!" ...