“Okay, Mom! Okay! I’m sorry!” I pulled her to me. She was very near hysterics. Usually my mother didn’t go to such extremes, but she had enough to agonize over without me being assaulted in dark alleys.

Cynthia pulled away and held me at arm’s length. “Well, that’s enough of that,” she sighed, her typical poker face back into play. “Come, Dear. I’ll send someone for your car.”

I shook my head. “I’m going to stay here and wait for Ryan to wake up.”

“But you’re exhausted,” she argued in vain. We both knew I wouldn’t change my mind.

Cynthia patted my knee and stood. “I expect you to be in your bed resting in four hours. No excuses, young lady.”

I nodded as she clicked down the hallway. I rubbed my eyes and leaned back against my seat. The television was on a medical channel, something about insurance and prescriptions. It didn’t take me long to lose interest.

Three hours later, the ICU nurse stood at my side. “Nina?”

“Yes?” I sat up and blinked my eyes.

“My name is Jenny. I’m Ryan’s nurse,” she smiled. “He’s awake. He’s asking for you.”

I stood up and walked with her to the double doors. Before we made it through, a disheveled woman scampered down the hall toward us. She wore a brown waitress’ uniform and her frizzy black hair failed miserably at staying in the messy bun she’d fashioned.

“I’m looking for Ryan Scott! I was told he’s in ICU?” she puffed.

Jenny looked at me and then back to her. “Are you his…?”

“Mother! I’m his mom. He’s here? Is he okay?” she said, breathless. “I’m Callie Scott. I’d like to see him, please.”

Jenny extended an apologetic smile and then turned to Callie. “He’s here, Ms. Scott. I’ll show you to his room.”

I trudged back to my seat, glancing at my watch. According to Cynthia, I had less than an hour to make my way home to rest. Unable to comply, I pulled my phone from my pocket to call in an explanation.

As I dialed, Jenny poked her head into the waiting room doorway. “Nina?”

“Yes?”

She smiled. “He would still like to see you.”

“Oh!” I said, surprised. I followed quickly behind her through the double doors and we stopped three rooms down. When she pulled back the heavy curtain, the rings grated across the metal bar.

She smiled to her left. “I found her. She didn’t leave.”

I peered into the room and inwardly cringed at the tubes and wires leading from Ryan’s body.

“Hey, Nigh,” he rasped.

I managed a half grin. “Today is the only day I’ll let you get away with that.”

Ryan laughed and then winced.