The doorknob turned slowly, as if whoever stood on the other side hesitated before entering. A soft creak broke the stillness of the room. Zoe, curled at the edge of the bed with swollen, reddened eyes, lifted her face with effort. When she saw who had come in, her eyes brimmed with fresh tears.

“Sweetheart…” Celina murmured, her voice thick with emotion.

Zoe stood abruptly. Without thinking, she crossed the room in a handful of steps and wrapped her arms around Celina with desperate strength,