Paul’s tongue felt too big for his mouth, like if he tried to speak, nothing would come out. It had been years now since his mother was first diagnosed, but this was the first time his own brain seemed to shut down at one of her appointments. He simply couldn’t get his head around it.

Thank God Hope was here to do it for him. When she stood, Paul realized they were wrapping up the meeting, and he’d yet to say a word.

“Is he okay?” the doctor asked Hope.

“Paul.” He blinked her into focus. “Are you all right?”

“I’m… Yeah, I’m sorry. It’s just a lot to take in.”

The doctor handed each of them his card. “I’m here to help in any way I can. You and your brother have some big decisions to make, and if I can be of assistance, please let me know.”

“Thank you,” Paul said, humbled by the kindness of a stranger.

“I’ve signed the discharge paperwork.” The doctor handed a sheaf of papers to Hope. “The nurses will have your mother ready to go home.”

Still feeling dazed, Paul shook his hand, thanked him again and followed Hope out of the office, through a maze of hallways that led to the room where his mother waited to go home.

“There you are, George,” she said when they walked in. “I’ve been waiting so long to see you. Where have you been?”

The tears in her eyes finally snapped Paul out of the stupor he’d been in during the meeting. He went to her and bent to hug her. “Sorry I made you wait, Marion. It couldn’t be helped.”

“It’s okay,” she said, stroking his hair like a lover rather than a mother. “You work so hard. I understand.”

“What do you say we go home?”

“I want to go home. I’ve been telling them that.” Her arms were covered in bruises from the many needle sticks, and her hair was in need of Chloe’s special touch.

“We’ll get you home,” Paul said.

“Who’s she?” Marion asked, casting a suspicious glare at Hope.

“That’s Hope. She’s our friend. I’d like you to be nice to her, okay?”

“Of course, George. Whatever you want.”

The nurse came to push Marion’s wheelchair, but Paul told her he’d do it.

“Why am I in the hospital, George? Who’s staying with the boys? Are they all right?”

“They’re fine,” Paul said.

“What about work? You can’t be away from work, especially this time of year.”

“I left Louis in charge,” Paul said of the man who’d once been his father’s right hand. “And Hilda is with the boys.” Louis and Hilda had been gone longer than his father had, but the information pacified his mother.

Hope squeezed his arm in a show of support that he appreciated.