[Adrian's POV]

The smell of antiseptic always made me nauseous. It reminded me of too many nights stitching up brothers in back alleys. But for Mom, I'd walk through hell.

I adjusted the collar of my jacket to hide the bandage on my neck and grabbed the bouquet of lilies, her favorite.

When I walked into the private room, the steady beep of the heart monitor was the only sound.

"Mom?" I whispered, my voice barely holding together.

Jane turned her head slowly on the pillow. Her face was pale, ...