Something unreadable crossed over my fathers face as he held my hand. I stilled, watching as desperation exhibited from his actions, my entire body straightened. My teeth ground together as I was trying to keep it all in, knees already shaky.

"Please, Rose, you are the only one who can help your mother..."

A burst of wet, humourless laughter escaped from my lips; hands pulled out of his grasp. "That explains why your wife was acting so lovely with me."

My father bent ...