I glanced back once more but knew I couldn’t wait. I slipped out of the room and into the hallway, my mind set on getting to Adeline. But as I hurried down the hall, someone grabbed onto my leg, making me stop.
It was Beatrix, on her knees, her face wet with tears. She clung to me, shaking with grief and panic, her eyes wild and full of hurt.
“How could this happen?” she cried. “The doctor said this morning that Harith was doing well! He only had the soup you made…”
Her words stung, like a hidden accusation. She gripped my leg tighter, as if I was her only lifeline. “Alice, if you’re mad at me, then hate me, but don’t take it out on Harith. He’s just a child…he’s everything I have!”
I tried to pull my leg free, feeling her words jab at my already frayed nerves. “Move, Beatrix,” I said, keeping my voice firm. “I need to see Adeline.”
But she didn’t let go. Her eyes hardened with bitterness. “Of course,” she spat, her voice filled with anger. “Only Adeline matters to you, doesn’t she? Harith means nothing to you, just because he’s my child.”