Suddenly, the phone rang. "I'll get it," she said.
A few minutes later, she came back. "Lilith, that was your mom," she said. "There's been no change in Angela. As a matter of fact," she added, "the doctor has advised everyone to come back. I think—I think this is it."
"It's my fault she's dying," Lilith sobbed, after they had dressed, as they led her to the car. "I never should have fought with her that last time."
"How could you know," Dirk said, when they had settled in the back seat, putting his arms around her as she cried on his shoulder. "I'm sure deep down, she knows you regretted everything."
The ride took forever, and Lilith used the time to see if she could recall any good memories. There were a few, but the memories of the fighting overshadowed them.
When they reached Angela's room, the heart monitor beeped quietly as they all gathered around. Lilith, up front, took Angela's hand in her own. "Angela," she whispered. "Angela, if you can hear me, I just wanted to—"
Then she sobbed for all she was worth. "I'm so sorry, Angela. I'm sorry I hurt you all those years. If you would just come back to us, I promise—I promise you I'll make it up to you— somehow." Her sobs were muffled through the hospital blanket. "Don't leave me, Angela. I—I love you." Then she sobbed again.