Warmth, love, health, life—it all seemed so pointless.
Later that night, after the birthday celebration, Christopher drove Charlotte home.
As he passed the courtyard, he saw Evelyn, still kneeling in the snow. She didn’t lift her head to look at him, her figure a motionless silhouette against the white backdrop.
Christopher hesitated for a moment, his lips pressing into a thin line. He climbed into his car, gripping the steering wheel tightly, annoyance flickering in his chest.
He didn’t know why he felt that way, but it bothered him.
Breaking the silence, he glanced at Charlotte and asked, “Do you think I’m... too harsh on her?”
“How’s the surgery coming along? Did they find a donor?” Charlotte asked, her tone light and cheerful.
Her smile brightened as she added, “Oh, I was just about to tell you—Mother sent word. It’s all settled. The donor is from Cedar Creek and the surgery is scheduled for the end of the month. The paperwork’s already signed.”
Christopher gave a small nod. “Be sure to thank them. This surgery is risky—you could still die on the operating table.”