Jax couldn’t keep her emotions in check much longer. No matter what had happened between her and Gretchen, Jax was grateful she was alive and coherent. Gretchen seemed like she would be okay. Caleb would still have the mother he knew and loved, and that meant the world to Jax. Maybe the accident would even repair a bit of their rift, and they could co-parent happily and easily. She could only hope. Her moment of peace was shattered when Gretchen leaned up and kissed her. She sat back quickly and widened her eyes.

“What—why…?” She reminded herself not to upset Gretchen. Keeping her calm was important for her healing. “I know things will be different now, but we can’t.” Jax let out her best fake laugh. “You’re probably high as a kite right now, so I’ll let this slide.”

Gretchen shook her head. She tried to sit up but sucked in a breath and fell back against the pillow. “What…” she said deeply, her voice so gravelly the word sounded like a growl, “are…you talking about?”

“Hello again, Gretchen.” Dr. Melendez was all smiles as she entered the room with Amanda. “I wasn’t expecting to be back so soon, but this is a wonderful surprise. And I hear you’re alert and trying to talk.”

Gretchen’s eyes were wet, never leaving Jax as she nodded at the doctor’s question.

“Your throat is probably very sore from the intubation, but I need you to do the best you can to talk, okay?”

“She coughs every time she tries.”

“Just do the best you can.” Dr. Melendez grabbed Gretchen’s toes. “Wiggle for me?”

Gretchen followed the command.

“Do you remember meeting me earlier?” Dr. Melendez said.

Gretchen stared at Jax and stayed silent.

“I don’t think she does,” Jax said.

“I really need Gretchen to answer.”

Jax stepped back, properly scolded, and listened as Gretchen croaked out her own negative answer.

“Can you tell me your full name?”

Gretchen’s voice crackled and strained, but she said, quietly, “Gretchen…Rebecca Mills.”

“Very good. Does it hurt when you take a deep breath?”

Gretchen took in a breath and coughed. She nodded.

“On a scale of one to ten, how badly does it hurt?”

“Seven.”

“Does it hurt here?” Dr. Melendez felt along Gretchen’s ribs. Jax watched anxiously as she neared one of her injuries. “What about here?”

Jax winced when Gretchen did. “Why are you hurting her?”

“I’m not,” Dr. Melendez said calmly. She had Gretchen move her arms in various directions. “What is your birth date?”

“November twenty-third, year withheld.” Gretchen smirked. Her breathing was labored, the vigorous wakeup clearly beginning to take its toll.

“What’s the last thing you remember?”

“Working and rushing to get home.” She started coughing and reached for the water. After two sips, she sat back. She looked so tired. Jax wanted to stop the interrogation.

Jax spoke up. “Maybe we should let her sleep.”

“I didn’t want to be late for the barbecue.”

Everyone in the room froze. Jax looked at Amanda, who wouldn’t stop staring at Gretchen. Dr. Melendez took a pad out of her pocket and started scribbling.