Nicholas's heart pounded in his chest. His mother was back.
"You're in Sydney? Why?"
"Don't sound so surprised. We need to talk, Nicholas. Things are spiraling and I won't stay silent anymore."
"Where are you?" he asked.
"Harrington Suites. Room 607. I'll be waiting," Elizabeth said and ended the call.
Nicholas ran his fingers through his hair, heart racing. He hadn't seen her in years.
★★★
Anastasia slowly opened her eyes, feeling a strange heaviness in her chest. The white hospital ceiling stared back at her.
The moment she turned her head, she saw Garbi sitting beside her bed with Nana holding a cup of water.
"You're awake! Thank God," Nana said, her eyes tearing up.
"Where... where am I?" Anastasia asked, her voice dry and weak.
"In the hospital," Garbi replied. "You passed out after we found you... You don't remember?"
