“Think about your mother’s health, Mariana,” Mr.

Vance added, letting the line sit silent for three long seconds.

“A public legal battle will strain everyone beyond repair.”

“We’ll call you back,” Mariana said, and ended the call with one sharp press of her thumb.

The room went completely quiet except for the low whir of the wall unit pushing cold air across the tile floor.

Mariana sank into the plastic armchair beside Lily’s bed and wrapped her arms tight around her ribs.

“She sounded so sorry,” Mariana whispered, looking down at her dark shoes.