"Lina!" Aunt Lyla's cheerful tone rang through the speaker.
"Aunt Lyla! How are you?" Alina said, her lips breaking into a wide smile. Just hearing her voice made the quiet room feel less lonely.
"Everything is alright," Lyla replied, though there was something in her voice—too thin, too forced that made Alina pause.
Alina frowned, shifting on the bed. "Aunt… really? Everything is alright?" she asked gently.
A small sigh came through the line, one she knew too well. "Everything is fine, Lina. Just tired, that's all. These days the hospital is so busy, it feels like I don't even have time to sit down. And you know… I'm taking care of Amelia too."
Alina's chest tightened. "I'm so sorry, Aunt. I wish I was there… then you wouldn't have to do everything alone. You've always worked so hard already."
