Martha Saunders strode into the hospital with purpose, navigating around small clusters of staff and visitors with practiced ease. She had just dropped her son, SJ, off at school and is now heading up to join her family. Her phone is pressed to her ear as she speaks to Shauna Covington, who remains on a yacht, awaiting the birth of her baby.

 

Shauna's voice is laced with frustration. “If it all came out, I’d likely be without a marriage. Antoine would think the baby is his way back in."

 

“Look, Shauna, I get it, but this situation is already out of hand. I know you don't want to hear it, but it isn't too late to at least tell Max. Maybe he'll be forgiving."

 

Shauna fell silent for a moment.

 

As Martha steps into the elevator, she nodded to herself, ready to offer more advice, but froze, realizing she wasn’t alone.

 

 

“Samuel.” Her voice was steady, though she felt a jolt of unease.

 

“It’s been a while,” Samuel Gupta said. “I heard from Max that Lenny has a donor match. I bet your family is over the moon."

 

"We're all cautiously optimistic but it's the best news we've all had in a long time.

 

A silence occurs between them as the elevator rides up though Samuel needs to get it off his chest.

 

There was a pause before he added softly, “I still wonder why we ended the way we did, you know.”

 

Martha sighs, looking down at the floor of the elevator. “Samuel. I don't think this time or the place to get into all that now."

 

The single mother ended their relationship not long after her son's father confessed, he didn’t want to be a full-time parent. Instead, he seemed more intent on resurrecting their relationship, oblivious to the responsibilities she carried. His selfishness became a wake-up call, forcing her to confront her priorities.

 

"I'm not Murray; I never intend to hurt you," Samuel says.

 

 

"It's just… more complex than that, okay."

 

 

The psychiatrist reluctantly nods, his expression sincere. “Fair enough. For what it’s worth, I’m hoping for the best for you and your family.”

 

"Thanks,"

 

The elevator doors open, and Martha steps out. She turned briefly to glance at him, a pang of regret flickering. Then, without another word, she walked forward, leaving the conversation—and the unresolved emotions behind her.

 

When Martha rounds the corner, she spotted Tanner at the vending machine, retrieving a water bottle. A warm smile spread across her face as she approached her niece, pulling her into a quick but firm embrace. “How’s it going?” Martha asks

 

 

Tanner exhales, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s... about Lenny. I just hope everything goes okay.”

 

 

Martha studies her niece for a moment, her gaze soft but probing. “How is it really going, Tanner?”

 

 

Tanner hesitates, caught off guard by the shift in focus. “Is it that obvious?” she asked with a faint, self-deprecating laugh.

 

 

“Let’s just say I have a history as a twentysomething. So, what’s going on?”

 

 

As Tanner casually explains the situation, her words carry a tone of resolve. “Tommy still has feelings for me,” she said, “but I know I could never entertain them. He’s married to Jordan, and I’m with Presley. And he's good for me—he doesn’t come with all the baggage Tommy does. And, well, he isn’t married.”

 

 

Martha couldn’t help but smirk at that last part. “I’d hope not. His boss might frown on that, considering he’s a man of the cloth after all.”

 

 

The joke earns a small laugh from Tanner, but it quickly fades. “I mean, Presley’s great,” she said, her voice softening. “But… I’m still hurt about Tommy cheating on me back then.” She stops herself, biting her lip like she’d said too much.

 

 

“It’s okay if you still have feelings for him,” she said gently. “But you’ve got to sort them out. It’s not fair to keep stringing Presley along if your heart’s still somewhere else.”

 

 

Tanner sighs, nodding slowly. “I know. I just… I don’t want to hurt him.”

 

 

Martha gave her an encouraging squeeze. “You might think you’re protecting him but dragging it out will hurt him more in the long run. Trust me on that."

 

 

Tanner didn’t reply right away, her mind racing. But as Martha slid an arm around her niece and guided her back toward the waiting room, Tanner leaned into the support, grateful for her aunt’s steady presence.

 

 

As they approached the rest of the family, Martha gave her a small smile. “Whatever you decide, just make sure it’s the decision you can live with.”