Morning came with the usual routine.
Nurses check vitals. Breakfast. The blood pressure cuff should be used every two hours. Alex texted at 7 AM: *How did you sleep?*
Izzy typed: *Fine.*
Deleted it.
Typed: *We need to talk.*
Deleted that too.
Finally: *Okay. You?*
*Not great. Can I come by this morning?*
*You don't have to ask permission.*
*After last night, I wasn't sure.*
*Please come. I'm sorry about last night.*
*Nothing to apologize for. See you in an hour.*
---
Alex arrived with coffee. He looked like he hadn't slept.
"You look terrible," Izzy said.
"So do you."
"I'm growing as a human. What's your excuse?"
He sat down. "Spent half the night trying to figure out what I did wrong."
"Alex—"
"Let me finish. I know my family is complicated. I know Vivienne can be diffi
