Jacob
Lizzie was waiting outside the step-down unit when I got to the hospital.
Not in the waiting room. Not with Ruth or Daniel. In the corridor, arms folded, one shoulder against the wall, like she had been watching the elevators for me.
When she saw me, her face changed.
Relief first.
Then something softer.
“You came,” Lizzie said.
“I said I would.”
“I know.” Her mouth curved faintly. “I’m still allowed to be glad.”
I crossed to her.
She stepped into me before I decided what to do with my hands, so I put one arm around her. She fit there the way she always had. Familiar. Easy. Practiced.
For a second, that was enough.
“How is he?” I asked.
“Awake on and off,” Lizzie said. “He knew me. He knew Mom. He asked where Daniel was, even though Daniel had been standing right there t
