“Yes.” Ísa’s smile was in her tone. “Turned the corner a couple of hours ago. He’s laughing with Sailor and Emmaline in the kitchen right now—be a few more days before he’s back to his usual energetic self, but our poor little guy isn’t throwing up anymore.”

They spoke for a few more minutes before hanging up. After which, Catie found herself sliding down the wall to sit on the floor as tears threatened to overwhelm her. She swallowed them back over and over again. Then she called Danny. When his phone went automatically to voice mail, she left a message telling him that Clive was out of surgery and asking him to call her.

Because she needed him.

Needed his voice and his face and his warmth. Needed the way he could make any situation better.

But Danny didn’t call. Not in the minutes that followed, or in the hours afterward when she took Gloria’s advice and made herself go to Gloria and Clive’s hotel room to shower and catch a few hours’ sleep. Gloria would then do the same herself after Catie returned to sit with Clive. Neither one of them wanted him to wake up alone.

She woke to a silent phone.

Worry gnawed at her. Danny would never ignore her that way. She knew that beyond any shadow of a doubt. Remembering that time he’d ended up in the hospital, she tried to get ahold of him again, but it went directly to voice mail.

So she messaged Takuro: Hey, Tak. I can’t seem to get in touch with Danny. You know what’s up?

Takuro replied as she was heading down to the small café attached to the hotel to grab something quick for breakfast: Hello, Catie! I’m visiting my village this week. Tea plantations everywhere! Want me to ask someone at the house to check on him?

Catie chewed on her lip. She didn’t want to intrude if Danny was just busy— No. She stopped that thought right in its tracks. That wasn’t Danny. That had never been Danny. He never just blew her off. Ever.

Yes, she said to Takuro. Just ask if they know where he’s at, because his phone keeps going to voice mail.

Okay, I’ll ask. Not sure they’ll reply quickly. It’s a break weekend, so everyone’s scattered.

Thanks, Tak. Message me when you know.

Though she picked up a muffin from the café, she couldn’t make herself eat it. Instead, she drank an herbal tea, and on arriving at the hospital, offered Gloria the muffin. “I also got you a latte. I hope that’s something you like?”

“Oh, you’re a godsend.” Rubbing at tired eyes, Gloria took the coffee but said she wasn’t up to the muffin.

Catie put it on the bedside table. “How is he?” She placed a hand on Gloria’s shoulder.