---- Chapter 6 The next morning, a sharp pain in my chest woke me. To my surprise, Keith had not left. He was still sleeping next to me. The pain sent a cold sweat across my forehead, and I curled up on the edge of the bed, shaking, too scared to make a sound that might wake Keith. Ihad a foggy thought that I might not have much time left. Suddenly, the phone rang again, and Keith, half- asleep, reached out and answered it. "Mr. Bradford, your mother's taken a turn for the worse. She's in critical care. You need to come to the treatment room, fast!" Keith did not waste a second. He was up and into his clothes in a flash. I fought through my own pain, grabbed his arm, and blurted out, "Wait, I'm coming too!" He paused, his gaze heavy, but he did not say no. ---- Keith pushed the car to its limits, speeding all the way to the hospital. As we skidded to a halt outside the treatment room, a healer stepped out with a sorrowful shake of his head. "It's time to say your goodbyes," he said softly. Keith's face was a mask of calm, but his hand was ice- cold. His complexion went ghostly white. I had never seen him so utterly lost. He walked in, and I could not help but follow. In those precious moments of clarity before the end, Silvia was calm, her madness gone. Her eyes were sharp, cutting through me with loathing before locking onto Keith. "Keith," she demanded, "promise me you'll never be with Elsie. Not ever." Keith froze, his voice barely a whisper, "Mom..." However, Silvia would not have it. Her voice rose toa fevered pitch, "Swear it!" I stood there, the world narrowing to the scene before me, to the single, piercing voice of Keith as he rasped, "T swear, Elsie and I will never be together." ---- Silvia's tension melted away, she closed her eyes with a satisfied smile, and drifted off. I was left reeling, the room spinning around me. For five long years, after Silvia was left in the psych ward by the alpha, I had paid a fortune for her care, always ensuring she had the best healer. Despite all that, I was given this. However, what I never saw coming was her final wish: she did not want Keith and me to be together. My eyes darted to Keith, heart pounding. He was already staring back at me, his eyes swirling with such intense emotions that I could not make out what he was feeling. In those few seconds of silence, I felt like I could not breathe. Without thinking, I stepped forward, longing to be closer to Keith. Then, his hard voice cut through the air, "Leave." I trembled and backed out of the treatment room without a word. ---- No sooner had I left than the nurse called me to pick up Silvia's death certificate. Holding that piece of paper outside the room, it felt like it weighed a ton. Keith's gaze haunted me, and I could not decide whether to go back inside. "T'll take it." Joan had appeared out of nowhere. She did not wait for my answer and snatched the certificate from my hands. She then walked into the treatment room as if it were the most natural thing to do. I watched as Joan gently touched Keith's shoulder, her voice a soothing whisper, "Keith, don't be too heartbroken. Your mom would've wanted you to be happy." I could not even begin to describe how I felt then. A mix of bitterness and a sharp, acidic pain drowned me, making my heart shudder with agony. Title: ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance Status: ongoing Embark on an exhilarating journey alongside Luke Charles Stafford as he navigates from the heartland of the Midwest to the glitzy realm of Hollywood in "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" by CrushReel. This ongoing romantic tale delves into the intertwined lives of characters amidst contrasting backdrops, promising a narrative rich in depth and emotion. Within this captivating episode, Luke's transition from a quaint Midwestern setting to the bustling streets of Hollywood unveils layers of personal growth and unforeseen encounters. As he grapples with newfound challenges and connections, themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery intertwine to create a tapestry of emotions that resonate with readers on a profound level. "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" stands out through its nuanced portrayal of relationships and the pursuit of dreams against a backdrop of contrasting landscapes. CrushReel's expertise in crafting authentic characters and evocative settings ensures a reading experience that transcends traditional romance narratives. Immerse yourself in this spellbinding story, available to read at CrushReel, and witness firsthand the magnetic pull of fate as it weaves its intricate web through the lives of Luke and those around him. Experience the magic of "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" as it unfolds online at CrushReel, inviting you to explore the depths of love and ambition in a world where paths cross and destinies collide.