Chapter 257

Shelmaine had always handled hospital visits on her own. Ever since her mom passed, she'd gotten used to it. She remembered the first time she went to the hospital alone at 14. Seeing her standing in line at the register, sick and exhausted, the doctor asked why no one from her family had come with her. She'd tried to hold back the tears, but the exhaustion and illness got the better of her. She'd fought to keep herself from crying out loud, terrified of anyone noticing, afraid of being pitied or laughed at. She'd seen other kids there with their parents—parents who held their hands and sat with them through every appointment. But Shelmaine always sat alone, hooked up to an IV drip. Maybe it was the fever, but today, Shelmaine felt more downcast than ever. Even though it was New Year's Eve, the hospital was still packed with patients. After finally seeing the doctor, who confirmed she had a fever, they ordered some blood tests. She spent the next few hours going from one departm