“Alma, I'm right here." I pat her forearm to ensure she can feel me beside her, and her eyes open a sliver. “Hey. How you feelin'?"
Alma opens her mouth. Only a moan escapes as her eyes search the room, struggling to find me.
“It's okay," I sooth. “Don't talk. Just rest. Liberty and I will be right here if you need anything."
The sharp scrape of the metal curtain hooks on the rod slice the silence as a nurse quickly moves to Alma's bedside.
“I'm Madison," I greet anxiously. “How is she?"
“Are you her relative?" The nurse doesn't pause her deliberate actions to look my direction.
I open my mouth to explain my relationship and quickly realize if I'm not family, I might be asked to leave. “I'm her daughter."
“The doctor hasn't been in yet. I'm starting an IV with fluids and pai
