CHAPTER 513: RYAN'S DECISION

Ryan sat in the living room, staring at the floor as he tried to ignore the faint echoes of Emily's labored breathing from the bedroom down the hall. The weight of his decision felt heavy in his chest. For days now, Runo, his distant cousin, had been staying with him, and though Ryan had initially been glad for the company, he couldn't shake the feeling that she was overstaying her welcome. The house, usually a refuge from the outside world, now felt cramped and stifling. The thought of asking Runo to leave had been on his mind, a task he had put off, hoping things might improve. But then he heard it again—the wheezing, the soft, strained gasps for air. Emily was struggling. He got up from the couch, his heart racing slightly as he walked down the hall. As he approached Emily's room, the smell of old books and lavender filled the space. He pushed the door open slowly, the hinges creaking softly. Inside, Emily was sitting on the edge of the bed, her hands clutching the sides of the ma