Emily stood frozen in her spot for what felt like hours, her mind lost in the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions stirred by her argument with Alex. It wasn’t until her phone rang from the kitchen that she snapped out of her haze. With a heavy heart, she walked toward the sound and picked up the call. It was from the hospital.

“Ms. Walker, your mom’s surgery is scheduled for tomorrow at 9 a.m. Your mother wants to see you,” the voice on the other end informed her.

“I’ll be there as ...