I found myself standing hesitantly in front of Angel's hospital room, a swirl of nerves twisting in my stomach. The sterile scent of antiseptic mixed with a faint hint of flowers from the small bouquet sitting on the windowsill lingered in the air, serving as a reminder of the gravity of the situation. Throughout my life, I have faced myriad challenges and trials that tested my resilience—academic struggles, personal losses, and moments of self-doubt that felt insurmountable. Yet none of those experiences could compare to the emotional turmoil I feel now, sitting heavily on my chest like a stone. This was an entirely different realm of anxiety; this was deeply personal and intricate, a knot of feelings so tangled that I could hardly see the way out.
Angel’s actions had crossed a line, tra
