Severing Ties

Macon returned to Maura's hospital room, gently taking her hand in his. He said, "I've calmed Mom down. Everything will go according to my promise. Maura, would you let me go with you to the countryside to visit your mom's grave one more time?"

Maura lowered her gaze. She had always wanted to bring Macon to her mother's grave, to tell her that she had lived a good, peaceful life.

But after she mar