Noah POV

"Tell me what you're afraid of!" My voice echoes in the hospital room.

My mother's face goes white. She opens her mouth, but before she can speak, there's a knock at the door.

She practically lunges for it. "Come in!"

The door swings open and Diane walks in.

My mother's expression transforms instantly—from fear to a bright, false smile. "Diane! What a lovely surprise."

Diane's face is hard. She barely glances at me. "Noah. I'm glad you're ...