My whole body trembled. I felt like the people in front of me were no longer human in my eyes. How could they act like my son's life was trivial?
I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "Say what you want about me, but Gavin can't wait. Please, come with me to get the apparatus and save him. I'm begging you!"
For the first time, I saw a flicker of doubt in my husband's eyes. He seemed to waver, making me see a glimmer of hope.
"Ethan, Snowy is bleeding heavily. We need to go to a bigger hospital for surgery!" Bella's voice was urgent, her face tear-streaked.
Upon hearing that, Ethan's expression hardened. "Don't worry, Bella. I'll take care of it." He picked up the dog and headed for the car, with his childhood sweetheart by his side.
The second I saw them leaving, I grabbed his arm and pleaded. "Please, Gavin's apparatus..."
Ethan hesitated, looking torn.
"Ethan, hurry, Snowy is dying!" Bella cried, urging him on.
No... He can't leave. If he did, what about my son? I fell to my knees, my voice breaking. "If we delay any longer, Gavin will die. Please, give me the apparatus, please!"
However, Bella interrupted again, her tone dismissive. "Gavin has always been healthy. How could he suddenly be dying? Snowy is the one in danger. Stop lying to take Ethan away from me."
At that point, Ethan shook my hand off, his eyes cold. "Enough. You're embarrassing both yourself and Gavin. How can he have such a shameless mother?"
Without another word, he got into the car and drove away with Bella and her dog.
And the exact time they left, the hospital called. "Mrs. Harrington, please come see your son for the last time..."
No...
Gavin...
I rushed back, but it was too late. Gavin was gone, his body cold. I held him, crying until no more tears came. I wept and mourned as if a part of me died as well that day.
Two days later, I arranged Gavin's funeral alone, and my heart shattered. Even as I watched his body turn to ashes, I couldn't accept it. Just days ago, he was full of life, determined to ace his entrance exams and get into Stanford. Now, all his dreams were reduced to nothing.
I clutched Gavin's urn, memories of him flooding my mind. Tears welled up as I thought of every moment we shared.
And finally, Ethan, who had been absent for two days, called me. "Today is my mother's birthday party. She wants you to bring Gavin to the villa to celebrate. Dress nicely and don't embarrass me."