Aubrey was trying to reach her father from the hospital. After a few attempts, she finally got through to Arthur, but he sounded like he was in a rush.
"Father, please. I need you to be here!" she urged, desperation creeping into her voice.
Before Aubrey could finish her plea, Arthur interrupted her. "I can't. I have something important to do. Call me later," he dismissed her coldly, hanging up on her.
"Am I not important to you, Father?" Aubrey cried, tears streaming down her cheeks. She lay in the hospital bed, battling pain, and her mother's indifference only added to her distress.
Elise appeared bored, even though she had agreed to accompany Aubrey. It was painfully apparent that she lacked the emotional capacity to provide any comfort; she simply wanted the ordeal to end quickly.
