559: SO COLD

ARIEL'S POV "You can talk to her," the nurse told me gently. "She can probably hear you, even if she can't respond." I moved closer, my throat tight with emotion. "Hi, Mom," I whispered. I hesitated, uncertain of what to say. So much had happened in such a short time, and I felt lost, adrift in a sea of fear and grief. "I'm sorry," I finally managed to choke out. "I'm so, so sorry." My voice caught in my throat, and I felt tears welling up in my eyes. I had so much to say, so many things left unsaid, but now, I didn't know how to put them into words. "I wish I could make this better," I whispered, my words a sob. I sat by my mother's bedside, holding her hand, willing her to wake up, to show some sign of life. But she remained motionless, her breathing shallow, her face still and serene. I wanted to shake her, to scream at her, to demand that she open her eyes, but I knew it would do no good. The damage had already been done, and now all I could do was wait. I don't know how m