Chapter 27 

The day Savannah left the hospital, the snow had just stopped, revealing a bright, clear blue sky. The trees lining the road shimmered with a fresh layer of ice. Javier drove to pick her up himself, the silence between them in the car heavy and palpable. 

Allison sat in the back seat, her breath fogging up the window as she doodled with her finger. Her heart was brimming with joy. Her mom was finally coming home. She drew a little family portrait on the glass, and her face beamed with happiness. 

Savannah caught sight of the drawing and felt a sharp pang in her heart. Tears threatened to spill, but she quickly turned her head to wipe them away, then managed a smile. “Allie, your birthday’s just around the corner. What do you want as a present?” 

Still focused on her window art, Allison replied in her sweet, clear voice, “Mom, I want a Bluey.” 

“A Bluey?” Savannah asked gently. “Is that a kind of puppy? I’ve never heard of that breed.” 

“No,” Allison shook her head. “It’s a cartoon puppy. I want a ceramic one. My friend told me there’s this craft shop on Main Street where we can buy a plain ceramic dog and paint it 

ourselves.” 

Allison turned to her mom, her eyes bright. “Last week, Olivia and George painted some really cute ceramic dolls there.” 

Savannah gave a soft smile. “Okay, if that’s what you want, then we’ll go together.” 

On Allison’s twelfth birthday, snowflakes danced down from the sky. Hand in hand, Allison and her mom walked into the craft shop. Having pre–ordered the plain ceramic dog, they didn’t have to wait. The shop owner brought it out, and they got to work painting. 

It was their first time crafting something together. Allison was thrilled with the result; her Cinnamoroll looked just like the reference picture, maybe even cuter. 

After leaving the shop, they headed to a nearby bakery. Savannah carried a cake in one hand and held Allison’s hand with the other as they walked through the swirling snow. Suddenly, Savannah stopped, turning to her daughter with a tender look. 

“Allie, I love you more than anything.” Savannah’s words were soft, carried away by the chilly 

wind. 

Allison’s nose was tinged red from the cold. Her mom often told her she loved her, so she didn’t think much of it. In her clear, bright voice, she replied, “Mom, I love you too.” 

Savannah’s heart ached as she struggled to keep her tears at bay. Her precious Allie was still so young, just twelve. How would she manage without her? 

To hide her emotions, Savannah turned away and continued walking. Allison, clinging to her mom’s hand, navigated through the bustling Main Street to the outdoor parking lot. 

Javier’s car was parked there. From a distance, Allison spotted her dad standing in the snow, 

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smoking, his face clouded with sadness and solitude. It was a look she rarely saw. Just as she was wondering about it, Javier noticed them and quickly masked his expression. 

Allison thought she must have imagined it. Javier stubbed out his cigarette and, in a hoarse voice, said, “You’re back.” Savannah replied softly, “Yeah.” 

That night, Javier took to the kitchen and whipped up dinner. The family of three gathered around the table, warmth and laughter filling the room. Allison donned a crown as she made a wish and blew out the candles on her cake. 

The unexpected happened as they were enjoying the cake. Savannah took a bite, and suddenly, she was coughing up blood. Allison was frozen with fear. Her piece of cake slipped from her hand, staining her new shoes. 

Javier scooped Savannah into his arms, his voice choked with panic. “Savannah, don’t do this. I’m taking you to the hospital right now.” 

The nanny scrambled to dial 911 while Allison stood there, stunned, her mind blank. Why was this happening? Everything seemed fine just moments ago. Why was her mom suddenly so sick? 

Hadn’t the doctor said she could go home? Wasn’t she supposed to be better? 

The ambulance arrived in no time. Paramedics carefully placed Savannah on a stretcher. Before the ambulance doors closed, Allison caught her mom’s tear–filled eyes trying to say something. but the words wouldn’t come.