Chapter 96: Nathan's Discovery

The world has a way of dealing out its most unconscionable blows where it feels fit, which, for Nathan, happened on a sun-drenched Tuesday afternoon—sandwiched between a bite of his turkey sandwich and a sip of lukewarm coffee. "Have you heard about Olivia?" Sarah's voice cut through their casual chatter, the tone far too portentous for Nate's liking, and he couldn't help but stiffen a little. He set his sandwich down, no longer quite so hungry. "Hear what about Olivia?" The silence that fell over the table was ear-blasting. Sarah's eyes fixed upon Mark's, then Jen's; their wordless conversation spoke much. Nathan's heart began to race; a cold dread settled in his stomach. "Guys," he had said, hardly above a whisper, "what's going on?" At least she reached out and put a gentle hand on his arm. "We thought you knew. Olivia's condition. It's gotten worse." The words hit Nathan like a blow. He felt the air leave his lungs, and the world tilted on its axis. "What? No, that can't be r