Since I’m too exhausted to deal with Layla anymore, I brush off her conviction about having the means to save Elijah and walk past her. With hesitant steps, I approach Ruth and Albert, my mind swirling with conflicting emotions since I don’t remember ever having a positive memory with them. But I need to see Elijah, to assure myself that he’s still fighting, still holding on despite everything that has transpired.
"Ruth, Albert," I begin, my voice hoarse, "May I... may I see Elijah before I leave?"
Ruth's eyes flash with simmering anger, her fists clench at her sides as she regards me with contempt and betrayal.
"Why should you be allowed near him?" she spits, her voice laced with venom. "You and that man you're with... are you truly the reason Elijah tried to take his own life?"
I re
