Echoes of Renewal

ived a call from Dad's best friend, Uncle Mark. Dad had slumped after a client meeting and was rushed to Green Life Hospital, managed by our family doctor, Kelly. Dad worked as an assistant manager

r family's funds, initially abundant, were drained by Dad's treatment. Mum had to work twenty-hour shifts at Wendy's to pay the bills. At school, I couldn't concentrate. I pledged to get a job next summer to help Mum with the bills. During lunch, I sat alone in the classroom, lost in my thoughts. Emma, my best friend since kindergarten, finally confronted me. Tears welled up as I turned to see her there. I'd been avoiding her for weeks. She was present at the funeral, but I asked her to leave. "Brynn, what are you doing? You have to move on and be strong for you and your mum. She needs you now more than anyone else," she said, concerned. "Emma, I'm sorry for my behavior. It hasn't been easy, and I try my best to forget everything, but I just can't. Mum needs some time, and I guess she'll be fine. Come here; I've missed you so much," I said through a strained voice as I hugge