Page 34 of Ghost Ribbon

Dr. Ramirez nodded patiently. “It has been building. Diabetes is a chronic condition, and despite good management, progression can happen. The episode tonight was acute, but her A1C levels and recent trends show we need to be more aggressive. She’ll likely need several days of monitored infusions to reset her system, then transition to an insulin pump or daily infusion support at a clinic. We’ll educate all of you on emergency responses too.”

Dad leaned forward, face etched with worry. “She’s always been so careful with her diet and shots. What triggered this exactly?”

“Combination of factors - possible missed meal timing during cooking, stress, or even a medication interaction. We’re still running full panels. The good news is she’s responsive and conscious now. But we can’t send her home without addressing the worsening control.”

Dad cleared his throat, glancing between us. “Doctor… how much will all this cost? Be straight with us.”

The doctor paused, checking her notes. “Initial hospital stay and infusions for stabilization: around eight to ten thousand dollars, depending on exact duration and tests. Transition to outpatient pump therapy and ongoing monitoring could add another fifteen to twenty-five thousand over the first year, including supplies and follow-ups. Insurance may cover portions, but out-of-pocket will still be significant.”

I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat massive. Twenty-five thousand? On top of everything else? My mind raced through savings, possible loans, anything.

I straightened up, fighting the tears that finally slipped down my cheeks. “Start the treatment. All of it. We’ll pay. Whatever it takes. My mom comes first.”

Dad didn’t argue. He just nodded firmly, placing a hand on my shoulder.

Dr. Ramirez looked at each of us. “I’ll get the orders started immediately. She’s in room 312 if you’d like to see her soon. We’ll keep you updated on every step.”

Chapter 10 - Alexei

Two weeks. Marco Bellini hadn’t stepped foot in Bloodburn Academy in over two weeks. At first, I told myself it was nothing, but the longer the absence stretched, the more it itched at the back of my mind.

Had my little torments broken him? I had marked him, spanked him, and kissed him like I owned every breath he took. I had bent him over my car and made him count while I painted his ass red. If he was staying home because of that, it meant I had succeeded in carving myself deeper into his fragile little world.

But something told me that wasn’t it. Marco was too stubborn in his fear. He would have dragged himself to school just to avoid me if he could. No… something else was keeping him away.

I was debating if I should ask Rei about him. It was easy now that he was permanently glued to Dimitri’s side. My cousin had been driving me insane lately, obsessing over that flower boy like a man possessed, skipping meetings, ignoring family business, and generally acting like a lovesick idiot. Ivan had pulled me aside multiple times.

“Keep an eye on him,” Ivan had said during one particularly unpleasant conversation. “If he gets himself disowned, you’ll be stepping into his shoes sooner than you want. I don’t need another headache.”

I had smiled politely and promised to handle it, but the truth was I was growing tired of playing babysitter for my cousin’s obsession.

After two weeks of nothing, I decided I was done waiting.

I took matters into my own hands.

The drive to Marco’s modest little house on the outskirts of the city was long. I parked a block away and walked the rest of the distance. When I reached the front door, I pressed the doorbell and waited.

A woman answered.

She looked tired, dark circles under her eyes, hair slightly messy like she hadn’t had time to fix it properly, but there was a kind, warm expression on her face that immediately told me she was Marco’s mother. She had the same olive skin, the same soft features. She blinked at me, clearly surprised to see a tall, well-dressed stranger on her doorstep.

“May I help you?” she asked, her voice gentle but cautious.

I put on my most charming, completely fake smile, the one I reserved for people I needed to manipulate without effort.

“Good evening, ma’am. I’m looking for Marco. Is he home?”

Her tired face brightened a little at the mention of her son. “Marco? Yes, he is here. One moment, please.”

She turned and called over her shoulder. “Marco! Someone is here for you, tesoro!”

I heard footsteps, then the sound of someone coming down the stairs. A second later, Marco appeared in the doorway behind his mother.

The moment his hazel eyes landed on me, his entire face went pale. He looked like he had seen a ghost. His mouth fell open slightly before he quickly shut it, and he raised a hand to cover his face in sheer disbelief, like he could will me out of existence if he just hid for long enough.

His mother glanced between us, clearly confused but still smiling.

“Is this your friend, Marco?” she asked kindly.