When Briony returned to the hospital, it was already past ten.


    Gina was making up the bed, and looked up in surprise when Briony walked in. "Ms. Kensington? I thought you weren''ting tonight."


    Julia, sitting up in her hospital bed, gave her a curious look. "Bryn, what brings you here sote?"


    Briony stepped inside and closed the door behind her. "I think I left my coat here."


    "This one, right?" Julia handed her the down jacket from the side of the bed. "The weather forecast says there''s going to be a big snowstorm. You need to stay warm."


    Briony took the coat and nodded. "I will. Thanks, Mom."


    "If there''s nothing else, you should get home and rest.” Julia squeezed her hand gently, frowning. "Why are your hands so cold? Are you feeling sick?"


    Briony managed a faint smile. "No, it''s just winter. My hands are always cold this time of year."


    Julia was quiet for a moment, then suddenly said, "Bryn, Christmas Eve is only five days away."


    Briony paused, caught off guard, then gave a helpless littleugh. "I''ve been so busytely, Ipletely lost track of time."


    Julia held her daughter''s hand and sighed. "You''ve been running back and forth between work and the hospital. I bet you haven''t even had time to prepare for the holidays, have you?"


    Briony hesitated, then admitted, "Not really. I''ll try to find some time to go shopping in the next few days."


    "Let mee with you."


    "You can''t leave the hospital, Mom..."


    "I''ll get a day pass. I know I need treatment, but I still want to spend Christmas like everyone else!" Julia shot her a look. "Are you nning to make me spend Christmas Eve in a hospital bed?"


    Briony was at a loss for words.


    Her mother still didn''t know about the leukemia. Dr. Cedric rke had convinced her to stay for treatment by saying she was just anemic and needed monitoring.


    Not wanting Julia to suspect anything, Briony offered a reassuring smile. "I''ll talk to Dr. rke tomorrow and see if you can get a day pass, okay?"


    “Great!” Julia grinned. “Dr. rke is such a good man—I''m sure he''ll say yes."


    As soon as she left the room, Briony reached into her coat pocket to check on the envelope from her prenatal appointment.


    It was still there. She breathed a quiet sigh of relief, nced back at the room, and slipped away down the corridor.


    The next morning, Briony was back at the hospital early to find Dr. rke.


    She got straight to the point, asking about what needed to be considered for the transnt surgery.


    Dr. rke assumed she and Stewart had already agreed on everything. "Your mother''s still not quite ready for surgery. ording to herst test results, she''ll need at least another week of treatment before we can reassess."


    Briony nodded. "Would it be possible for me to take her out for a few hours today? She''d love to get some fresh air."


    "That''s fine. A change of scenery might do her good. Just make sure she''s back before evening."


    Dr. rke paused, then added, "She''s stable right now, but you''ll need to keep her warm, and she shouldn''t be out alone. Watch out for crowds and make sure she wears a mask, just to be safe."


    Briony took careful note of his instructions. "I understand. Thank you."


    Briony''s car was finally fixed. The dealership had called that morning and delivered the car right to the hospital for her.


    Julia was thrilled at the idea of a trip to the mall. She changed into her clothes, practically dragging Briony out the door, bubbling with excitement.


    Brionyughed. "Slow down, Mom! The mall isn''t going anywhere." She wrapped a scarf around Julia''s neck and handed her a hat and mask. "Dr. rke said you have to wear these."


    "Oh,e on, do I have to be wrapped up like a Christmas present just to go shopping?"


    "There''s a nasty flu going around. You''re still recovering, so we have to be careful."


    “Alright, alright, I''ll do as I''m told!" Julia grumbled, but let Briony help her bundle up. Once she was ready, she tucked her arm into her daughter''s. "Now can we go?"


    Briony smiled in resignation. "Yes, Mom. Let''s go."


    With the holidays approaching, the mall was bustling with people.


    Briony wanted to stop at the supermarket first to pick up some essentials and decorations, but Julia insisted on looking at clothes.


    Assuming her mother wanted something new for herself, Briony led her up to the third floor, where all the designer boutiques were.


    Julia pulled her into one of the shops, picked out a few outfits, and handed them to Briony. "Go on, try these on."


    It was only then that Briony realized what was going on. "Wait, Mom-you wanted toe shopping to buy me clothes?"


    Julia gave her a mock re. "What else? If you won''t take care of yourself, I will! You work so hard and never treat yourself. You deserve something nice."


    Briony was taken aback for a moment. Then she smiled, a little helpless. "Mom, I haven''t been neglecting myself. I''ve just been busy and haven''t had time to shop, that''s all."