Chapter 61: A Glimmer of Hope.

And thus, in Chloe's chest, the weight had become an ever-constant companion over the weeks, pressing down, which would make it almost impossible to breathe and to think, just to be. The darkness felt inescapable and suffocating. But what is even the point of trying anymore? "Mom?" It was Emily's little voice that penetrated the fog of despair, pulling Chloe beneath. Blinking her spirit eyes open, she finally beheld her daughter with worried pupils—big, round, and filled with innocent concern. "Are you okay? You haven't gotten out of bed for days." Her eyes dialed over to the nightstand, where an ashtray overflowed and several empty wine bottles witnessed her recent downward spiral. She reached out instinctively, smoothing back Emily's tousled hair. "I'm sorry, baby. Mommy's just not feeling good right now." The words on her tongue tasted like ash. What a great role model she was turning out to be. Then, to her amazement, Emily scooted up onto the bed and wrapped herself around h