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Show a Hannah Mae and the Mona Lisa 92 Dad nodded and walked toward the room and a few minutes later, he was leading Gus toward the elevator. "Can't I stay?" I asked. Mom took in a deep breath. Her eyes were shadowed and sunken. "Tomorrow's the last day of school," she said. "You should say goodbye to your friends and teachers." I shook my head slowly. "Colby's the only soul who's earned my goodbyes." I choked. Tears welled in my eyes. "I can't leave him, Mom. It's my fault." I tried to steel myself. I tried to hold back the tears, but I couldn't. Mom pulled me close. "You can't cast yourself blame, Hannah. You can't live your life carrying a weight that isn't yours." "But it is mine!" I muffled my sobs into her shirt. "It is." Mom stopped talking. She stroked my hair. She smelled like Mom. I remembered her smell and her touch. "I'll ask the nurse," Mom said. "But you do what they say. If Colby comes to, go easy. I suspect he'll be pleased to lay eyes on you, but mind you don't smother him with orders." I gave her a squeeze and pulled back. "Thanks," I whispered. |