It should've been me

Robin's fingers are cold as she presses the phone to her ear. 

She's inside her car, heading to the hospital.

On the other end of the line, Layla's voice crackles to life.

"Hello, Robin. It's so good to hear from you." She says.

Layla's words are laced with a subtle edge, a facade of pleasantry barely concealing the turmoil beneath.

Robin takes a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation ahead.

"Me too. I'm heading to the hospital now but from what I heard the procedure is going to be a success. The doctors were very optimistic about it."

On the other end of the line, Layla sits on the edge of her bed, her phone pressed against her ear.

The blonde exhales a shaky breath, her features softening with relief. "Oh, thank goodness. I've been so worried." 

Layla pauses, her gaze flickering down to the faint bruises marring her delicate skin.