Seraphina's Pov
The phone nearly slipped from my grasp as I gripped it tighter, trying to steady myself. My pulse quickened, and for a moment, I couldn't breathe.
The words replayed in my head over and over again: Your father is extremely sick.
"But what do you mean, Gianna?" I whispered, my voice trembling. "What do you mean he's sick? How—when did this happen? He can't be sick. Please tell me you're joking, Gianna."
She let out another heavy sigh, one that sounded more annoyed than concerned. "Seraphina, I know you're stupid, but you can't possibly be that stupid, right? I just told you he's not doing well. His health has been declining for a while now, but he didn't want you to worry, which is why you're only just finding out about it. Now it's reached the point where... he might not have much time left, and he asked me to call you because he wants to see you."
