“Us? Funny, I only heard my name,” Andrew grumbled.

Jeni’s small fist connected with his left bicep when he stood. “Cut it with the attitude. That won’t help anything. Take this first round like a champ and they’ll go back to Nebraska and leave us be.”

“You’re right,” he agreed.

“To be clear,” Jeni said in a low tone. “I’m asking for my sake. I’m the one they’re staying with.” She bugged her eyes out at him meaningfully.

Andrew laughed. “How’s that been going?”

“I’ve been eating well.” She paused. “It’s not worth it.”

“I bet not.” Andrew smiled and shook his head, and he and his family followed the woman through the door.

“I’m Karen, one of the medical assistants. Is this your first time here?” Her smile was kind but not pitying, something Andrew appreciated.

“Yes.”

“I’ll point out the important things as we go, then. The infusion center is U-shaped and separated into five nursing pods. Your chemo nurse is Mandi, and she’s wonderful.”

They passed rows of large leather recliners. Each chair had its own small flat-screen television in front of it, and curtains that could be pulled around for privacy. Few people had their curtains closed, and Andrew’s eyes passed over the other patients receiving treatment. The wide range of ages and health conditions was surprising. Before his own diagnosis, he thought cancer was something that only old people got. He hadn’t known anyone his age who’d had it, with the exception of a high school buddy whose little sister had had leukemia. They’d had a big fundraiser at school to raise money for a bone marrow transplant she needed, and as far as Andrew knew, she was okay now. Most of the patients he saw appeared to be older than fifty, but there were also a few who looked to be his age, or maybe in their thirties.

“There are two bathrooms in each pod. You can get up and walk around if you want…just stay on this floor and take your IV pole with you.”

Finally, they arrived at an empty recliner with two wooden chairs nearby. Karen glanced at the women who flanked him, two on each side. “Here we are. Have a seat, I’ll go grab two more chairs, then I’ll take your vitals.”

Karen left and Rhonda followed behind to help. Andrew hesitated before he sat down.

His mom sat down beside him and immediately started to cry.

Andrew took a deep breath. Patience, he told himself. “You okay, Mom?”

“I’m sorry,” she sniffled. “I’m f-f-fine.”

Jeni gave her a small shove from behind. “Move over. Andrew doesn’t need that right now.”

This was why Jeni was his favorite. Without argument, his mom moved to the second chair over, and Jeni replaced her in the one nearest to Andrew.