“I wish I could help more,” Maggie murmured after a long silence. “I feel useless, just sitting here.” “You’re not,” Clara said weakly. “You’re here. That’s enough.” Maggie hesitated, then exhaled. “Well… maybe I’ll be able to do a bit more soon. The lawyers called this morning. Your grandfather’s estate is finally settled.
It’s not much, but the small amount should help — enough to cover the rest of your treatments, at least.” Clara looked at her mother, too tired to smile but touched all the same. “Mom, you don’t have to—” “I want to,” Maggie interrupted softly. “You focus on getting better, okay? Let me handle the rest.” For a brief moment, hope slipped back into the room.