The door creaked open, and Jerica entered, her arms full with the vase of water she had gone to fetch. She paused, her eyes flicking between Jared and Victoria, sensing the tension that had wrapped itself around the room like a thick fog.
She offered a soft smile as she placed the flowers on the table in front of Victoria's bed, their vibrant colors brightening the sterile surroundings. "Here we go, Mom," Jerica said gently, trying to break the ice, her voice full of warmth. She carefully arranged the flowers so that Victoria would have a perfect view of them, hoping to shift the mood.
But the tension remained. Jerica's smile faltered slightly as she sensed the unspoken hostility in the room. Still, she pressed on, pulling out the snacks and the "water bottle" she had smuggled in for Victoria. "I brought your favorite," she added, trying to lighten the atmosphere.
