Alex helped Jill from the car with her left hand. Jill winced when she stood and steadied herself against Alex. The spring air was crisp, but held a hint of warmer weather. Alex inhaled deeply, enjoying the freshness, trying to get the smell of hospital from her nose. They walked slowly up the sidewalk, looking like two soldiers returning from battle. Jill still wore her bloodstained clothes, and Alex sported a sling on her right arm. Sarah and Michelle trailed after them, carrying Jill’s suitcase and a bag of Chinese carryout. Even though they showed no physical evidence of the day, their faces told the story. It was rare to see either looking tired, but tonight, they looked exhausted. Their normally youthful faces were hardened with concern.
When they got inside, Alex looked at the fli
