“At 4 A.M., the Truth Called — and I Finally Let Him Go”

“Lauren… he’s at the hospital.”

The words landed like a drop into still water—quiet, but heavy enough to ripple through everything.

“What happened?” My voice came out sharper than I intended.

Nick exhaled shakily. “We were at O’Malley’s. Just… hanging out. The guys were drinking, talking. You know how it gets.”

I closed my eyes.