Chapter 6 - The Facade of GriefAt 8:00 AM, Dr. Daniel emerged into the hallway, pulling off his surgical cap with a deliberate look of hollow defeat. He approached Helena and Mason, who sat on the waiting room bench, Mason’s head buried in his hands.

"I’m sorry, Mason," Daniel spoke loudly enough for the nursing desk to hear. "Clara has suffered massive secondary neurological failure. We’ve placed her on full life support, but there is virtually no brainstem activity. We will evaluate organ function over the next twenty-four hours before discussing withdrawal of care."

Mason let out a ragged, trembling sob, leaning forward until his knuckles brushed the tile. Helena placed an arm around his shoulders, murmuring comforting platitudes, her fingers gently stroking his dark hair.

"I'm here, Mason," she whispered softly, her tone dripping with manufactured empathy. "I won't let anything happen to you or the babies. I will handle the estate paperwork. You shouldn't have to bear this burden alone."

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"Thank you, Helena," Mason choked out through simulated tears. "I don't know what I would do without Julian's family beside me."

Beneath the sleeve of his jacket, Mason’s fists clenched until his fingernails bit into his palms, holding the fury down beneath layers of ice.