“They are wolves, Ethan,” she said. “You became a wolf to survive them.”

“I did what I had to do to build something,” Ethan said, his jaw tightening.

“You built an empty house,” Mary said. “And you paid for it with us.”

She closed her eyes, her breathing ragged.

“If you bring Lauren into that world, she will become just like you,” Mary whispered.

“She will learn to value things over people.”

“She will learn that everyone has a price.”

“I won’t let you ruin her the way you ruined us.”

“Mary, that’s enough,” Dr. Rao said, stepping between Ethan and the bed. “You must leave, Mr. Caldwell. Now.”

Ethan stood frozen, his eyes fixed on Mary’s pale, closed face.

The heart monitor was alarmingly fast now, a continuous, frantic beep that filled the small room.

“Ethan, please go,” I said, placing a hand on his arm.

His sleeve was cold from the snow outside.

He looked down at my hand, then at Mary, and finally at his phone, which was vibrating in his palm once again.

He took a slow step backward, his face pale and drawn.