Jake stood outside the door, the plastic wrap of the bouquet crinkling in his grip. He’d spun a quick lie to the nurses about being Anna’s husband, and they’d waved him through without a second thought. A slow smirk pulled at his lips as he pushed the door open.
Inside, Anna’s mother sat propped up against the stiff white pillows. Her eyes locked onto his, widening in an instant. A genuine, bright smile broke across her face.
"Jake!" she cried out, her voice trembling with excitement. "Is it really you?"
"How are you, Mom?" Jake asked. He moved toward the bed, a practiced smile playing on his lips as he extended the flowers. "These are for you."
She took the bouquet, but her smile shifted into a playful pout. "Why haven't you visited for so long? You moved me to this new hospital, and
