Simon exploded. "Andrew, it's not right! We all see it. You've bled for the Henson Group for years!"
He paced the small room. "Ms. Henson... she's been brainwashed by that kid! That's why she treats you like dirt. Don't listen to the people laughing online. The real staff, the ones who matter? We don't care about your past. We only know the Andrew who works himself to death for us."
A shaking finger pointed at the door. "If it weren't for you, the company would have gone under weeks ago."
Simon's words were a flicker of warmth in a frozen world. I waved my hand weakly, dismissing him.
I needed to be alone.
Silence descended. Only the rhythmic drip of the IV broke it.
Against my better judgment, I opened my phone. Checked her social media.
Jade had posted thirty minutes ago.
The photo was taken in a karaoke room, bathed in garish neon light. Max sat in front of a delicate birthday cake, hands clasped in prayer, eyes closed as he made a wish.
Jade was right next to him. Leaning intimately on his shoulder. Smiling brighter than she had smiled at me in years.
The caption read: *"My trusted pup said the life I saved is a new life. So, today is his new birthday. Happy Birthday, Max."*