Chapter 132

Grandma Hamilton's gaze slowly settled on Evelyn's flat abdomen, a glimmer of understanding flashing in her clouded eyes.

"Grandma, don't overthink it. Alexander and I—"

"Silly child," Grandma Hamilton shook her head gently. "I already know."

Evelyn's heart clenched.

"You all think I'm senile, don't you? That I can't even recognize people anymore?"

"That's not true—"

"This morning, a little girl came to see me," Grandma Hamilton suddenly smiled, the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes smoothing out. "She wore a floral dress and had her hair in braids. So pretty."

Evelyn's fingers unconsciously tightened around the hospital bed railing.

"She called me Great-Grandma and even sang for me." Grandma Hamilton squinted as she recalled. "Her voice was lovely, except... she kept singing 'bird, bird.'"

Alexander frowned. "Bird?"

"Yes," Grandma Hamilton turned to Evelyn. "Do you know what song it was?"

Evelyn's throat tightened.

Not "bird."

It was "hush, little baby."

The lullaby she used to play on repeat for her unborn child.

"Hush, little baby..." she hummed softly, her voice trembling slightly.

Grandma Hamilton's eyes lit up. "That's the one! The child sang it so beautifully."

The air in the room froze.

Margaret bit her lip hard, silent tears rolling down her cheeks. Alexander turned his face away, his Adam's apple bobbing violently.

"Evelyn," Grandma Hamilton grasped her hand weakly. "The child asked me to tell you... she doesn't blame you. She just... misses you terribly."

Evelyn's tears fell onto the white hospital sheets, leaving dark stains.

"I'll be leaving soon too," Grandma Hamilton panted. "I had to deliver this message before I go."

"Please don't say that—"

"Margaret, Alexander, come here."

Margaret hastily wiped her tears and moved to the bedside with Alexander.

Grandma Hamilton's breathing grew labored. The numbers on the monitor steadily declined.

"I'll get the doctor!" Evelyn turned to rush out.

The door burst open.

"Alexander!" Annabelle's shrill voice cut through the air. "I knew you'd be here!"

She stood in the doorway, her pregnant belly prominent, her gaze darting between Evelyn and Alexander. Her face was livid.