PENELOPE POV
We walked back into the room together.
My parents stopped talking the moment they saw us.
That was never a good sign.
Mom stood near the window with her arms crossed and murder tucked neatly behind her calm face. Daddy sat at the edge of the bed, elbows on his knees, while Pops paced near the door like a trapped storm in boots.
Aunt Kat was checking a chart beside one of the monitors, hair twisted up, jaw set and eyes shadowed with exhaustion. She looked like she had not slept in three days and would personally bite anyone who suggested she try.
I was not stupid enough to suggest it.
All four of them looked at me.
Then at Liam.
Then at my phone in my hand.
Then back at my face.
So, yes.
Apparently, I looked exactly as calm and stable as I felt.
Meaning not at all.
