I felt the tension grow in my temples and massaged them with my fingers. It was my duty as a doctor to help if a patient was in need. I could still make it to Josh’s chemo appointment before the drip went in.

“Sure, put them in exam room four.” I slugged back the last of my coffee and dragged myself to my feet.

Dr. Harper put a hand on my arm. “Forgive me for saying, darlin’, but I think it should be noted what a commendable job you’re doing. As a doctor and as a mother. I know your boy is sick. It can’t be easy.”

“No, it isn’t,” I agreed. “He started chemo yesterday.”

“Ahh.” Dr. Harper bobbed his head in understanding. “And you wish you could be with him.”

“Of course. I feel completely helpless.”

“You are incredibly strong.”

“Any parent could do what I’m doing. When your kid’s sick, you go to the appointments, get them treatment, do whatever you can to pay for it. This is just normal parenting to the one millionth degree.”

He patted a gentle hand on my arm. “That attitude is exactly what makes you an excellent mother.”

Up at reception, I grabbed the patient’s file from Brittany.

“Thanks for doing this, Dr. Sweeney,” she trilled in her too-high voice. “The patient is in room four.”

As I started to open the file, I felt someone’s eyes on me. I lifted my head slowly, skin prickling with alarm. My mouth went instantly dry, my heart suddenly hammering against my ribs, as my eyes met a pair of familiar ones.

It was one of the girls from Ben’s van. The teenager with the patches of lighter skin on her face and hands.

I watched as the puzzle pieces slotted into place right there on her face.

She recognized me.

SHIT. SHIT. SHIT.

I rushed down the hall, my heart pounding so hard it felt like it would burst through my ribs at any moment. I staggered into the staff bathroom and locked the door, a cruel, angry fist squeezing my chest.

I greedily gasped for oxygen, breath hissing in and out too fast. I turned the tap on and splashed at my face. Panic ramped up my breathing, the room revolving around me.

Sweat prickled over my skin. I peeled my lab coat off and tossed it to the floor, slumping onto the toilet and dropping my head between my legs. Stars danced across my vision. She knew who I was. Would she turn me in?

A tap came at the door.

“Dr. Sweeney? Are you okay?” It was Brittany.

I inhaled, trying to catch my breath. My whole body was trembling.

Brittany knocked again.

“Be right there!” I squeezed out.

Focus, I told myself. Breathe.

My cheeks were flushed when I looked in the mirror, strands of dark hair escaping my ponytail.