CHAPTER EIGHTY SEVEN

ELLA'S POV

I replayed Mrs. Emerson's heartbreaking words over and over in my mind, each time feeling the dagger thrust deeper in my chest. "I'm so sorry, Ella...your father, he's gone. He was hit by a car and...he's been in the hospital, in serious condition. But there was no money, no way to afford the care he needed."

All this time, my father had been alive, suffering, just mere blocks away - and I'd had no idea. If only I'd known, if only I'd been able to find him sooner. Maybe, just maybe, I could have helped, could have done something to save him.

The tears flowed freely down my cheeks as I crumpled to the floor, my father's farewell letter clenched tightly in my trembling hands.

"I'm so sorry, Dad," I choked out, the words barely audible through my sobs. "I should have found you, I should have tried harder. If I'd only known..."

The sound of the front door creaking open made me start, my head whipping around to see my mother hurrying into the living room. Her brow raised as