The next morning, a chill hung in the air as Hafsa and Haroon’s flight landed in London. The city’s grey skies reflected the weight in their hearts. There was no excitement, no sense of arrival, only an overwhelming sense of dread as they made their way directly to the City Hospital.

The car ride from the airport was unbearably silent. Haroon stole glances at Hafsa from time to time, watching her wring her hands in her lap, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She had barely spoken since boarding the flight. Her chest rose and fell heavily with every breath as she silently prayed for her best friend, her sister in every way that mattered.