Her expression weighed heavily on me. I asked with concern, "What's bothering you?"

"My body... It's not holding up. I'm always in pain, so I can't sleep at night." She looked at me helplessly, her voice barely audible. "The pain, it's just...here..."

"Where does it hurt?" My eyes narrowed, pressing for details.

"Right here." She pointed to her abdomen, gently patting it.

"You haven't told Matthew?" I pressed on, my composure wavering. Indeed, Grace seemed much thinner than before.

"He's...busy." Grace's words sounded feeble.

"How long has this been going on?"

Her lips trembled. "It's not a big deal, just trouble sleeping. I keep thinking about Ava. I can't be there for her, and it's eating at me. I'm afraid I won't have much time left to watch over her."

My heart ached. After a while, I said, "Take a seat and have some water. I'll go upstairs and be right back."

"No need. Since Ava isn't home, I'll go," she said.

I ignored what she was saying and went straight upstairs. At