“You’ve got no idea what the medical bill will be. Even if you take him with you right now, it would probably take you years to pay me back based on your tiny waitress paycheck.” With a short laugh bare of any humor, Ms. Fielding added, “But you can go back to the waiting room when his fever rises again. Maybe you’d see a newbie doctor by dawn if you’re lucky.”

The room started spinning. Sherry raised a hand to hold on to something. Anything. But there was nothing.

She lost her equilibrium and felt her legs crumbling.

But she didn’t fall.

Ms. Fielding grabbed her waist with both hands, and for a split second, Sherry could have sworn she saw genuine worry in her eyes, but it was gone before she could be sure.

Sherry held on to the wall. “You can let go. I’m fine. Thanks.”

Ms. Fielding took a step back. “What’s wrong? Are you diabetic?”

“No. No, but I could use some sugar, I guess.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing.”

Ms. Fielding kept staring at her.

“I just haven’t eaten in a while is all.”

“What is in a while?”

“Does it matter?”

“It does if we’re supposed to know things about each other. If you collapse every two hours if you don’t eat, I—”

“This morning around half past six, before I went to work.”

Ms. Fielding furrowed her brow. “Oh, c’mon, you’ve got to be kidding?”

Slowly, so as not to feel dizzy again, Sherry shook her head.

“Don’t tell me the diner opens up that early.”

“No. I also work at a grocery store. My shift at the diner starts later.”

The wrinkles in Ms. Fielding’s forehead deepened. “You’re telling me you work two jobs and still can’t take care of your son but want to say no to my offer?”

“I don’t know you and—”

Ms. Fielding grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the elevator. “Let’s eat something first and then we’ll see.”

“No!” Sherry stopped and broke free from Ms. Fielding’s grip. “I really have to get Jake’s things.”

“As the nurse said, security has been informed so there’s no need for you to rush.” Under her breath, she added, “Not for you at least.”

As if being an actress on a stage who had just been given her cue, Nurse Tayler left Jake’s room. “I will inform the nurse on duty to look after Jake while you’re gone.”

“Thank you,” Sherry said.

Nurse Tayler gave them a polite smile and disappeared around a corner.

Sherry banged her fist against the wall in frustration. “No, I really don’t have time. The car I came here in was borrowed.”

“And?”