Lola’s POV

The hospital room was quiet except for the beeping of machines and the faint shuffle of nurses in the hallway.

The white walls still made me feel trapped, like I couldn’t breathe enough air in here. I was gathering my things into a small bag when my phone buzzed on the side table.

It was Evelyn.

I answered softly. “Evelyn?”

Her voice came through light, but I could hear the concern behind it. “Lola, can I come to the hospital and see you today?”

I sat down on the edge of ...