Quintessa let go of Tyrone's hand and turned to leave the room. Manny glanced at him, quickly grabbed her stuff, and followed her out.

Tyrone felt as if there was a lump in his chest, making it impossible for him to voice his feelings. He wanted to call out to Quintessa, to say something - anything - but the words just wouldn't come. He could only watch as she walked away.

He didn't immediately chase after her. Instead, he sat down on the edge of the hospital bed, trying to sort through the jumble of emotions clouding his mind. He felt utterly miserable.

His phone began to ring, but Tyrone was in no mood to check or answer it. However, the relentless ringing eventually wore him down, and he checked the caller ID to see it was his mom.

With a heavy sigh, he answered, "Hey, Mom."

"Ty, where have you been hiding these past few days?"

He lied effortlessly, "Busy, working late."

Mrs. York snapped back, "Working late, my foot! I went to your office, and Jason told me you haven't been in for two days."

Caught in his lie, Tyrone remained unfazed, "Oh, I was on a business trip."

go on business trips alone? Don't

dealing with some stuff, Mom. Just leave

care about her own

replied, "Well, like there's a weight on your chest, suffocating and aching

exclaimed, "Exactly! How did you know? Mom,

York scoffed, "Tyrone, who are you

rolled his eyes, "Worry? It's just she

you ever pitied anyone? If you feel sorry for her, that means you genuinely care. Who is she? Tell me." Tyrone felt his heart somehow race at those words, as if something serious was about to happen; he replied, "It's

pressed, "Is

"Stop guessing, Mom. I'll tell you

York's voice trailed off as Tyrone ended the call. "That little rascal." Mrs. York

Mrs.

ant

group to Zion

package. We're going on

stunned, "A

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