Chapter 456

On the day of the annual party, I received a call from Tina half an hour before our departure. She urged me, "Nance, come to the hospital now. Alex… She's in the ER." I was stunned to hear that, and my mind went blank. I managed to utter, "What happened?" "Jack wheeled Alex out for a stroll last afternoon as the weather was good. After their return, she had difficulty breathing. The department head said she developed infective endocarditis from a common cold. Nance, we're so sorry." Hearing Tina's sobs, I inhaled sharply and said, "I'll… I'll be there soon." After hanging up, I made my way out of the house and ran into Jonah. "Ms. Nancy, why are you…" He paused in surprise before growing stern. "What's wrong?" "I… I need to leave for a bit." I realized I needed my car key, but my fingers were trembling so badly that I could not hold it properly. Jonah came up to me and took the key. He said decisively, "I'll drive you." "No. I'll do it myse—" "Ms. Nancy, I can't risk having y