Mara sat on the edge of the hospital bed for a long moment after ending the call, her hand still gently stroking her belly. The warmth of her parents’ voices lingered, giving her strength she hadn’t felt in years. But the longer she stayed here, the more anxious she became. Lily was at home with those people. She couldn’t wait until tomorrow.
She pressed the call button for the nurse.
“I want to be discharged,” Mara said firmly the moment the nurse arrived. “Right now.”
The nurse looked surprised but went to fetch the doctor. A few minutes later, the doctor walked in, flipping through her chart with a concerned frown.
“Mrs. Stephen, you really should stay under observation for at least another day. The fall…”
“I’m strong enough,” Mara cut in, her voice steady but urgent. “I feel fine.
