Page 167 of Rookie Attraction

“If you can stay here during the day, as much as possible, as much as you’re allowed… That’s all I want. I don’t want her alone.”

I reach out and take my dad’s shaky hand.

“Then that’s what I’ll do.”

Three days later

The doctors said the first few days would be critical and they were right; Mom’s fever is a roller coaster, spiking and ebbing every couple of hours. When I first arrived and she woke up, she thought I was the one who was in hospital; she asked about my shoulder and if I was going to play hockey again. Today, her fever calmed and stayed that way, and she’s no longer confused, thank fuck.

Will and I spend the most time at the hospital, with my siblings—Amelia, Brent, Sophie, and Tyler—on a rotation, dropping by for an hour each day. I’m glad I’ve been here so Dad can take a break, even if he only leaves her room for ten minutes at a time. He’s on that small couch in Mom’s room every night, but he’s hardly sleeping. Sleep doesn’t come easy for the rest of us either.

In fact, I’m so exhausted after worrying and monitoring Mom’s health for days, that I barely notice my phone buzzing in my pocket. Maybe it’s one of my Sutton U friends? I texted Silas yesterday to let him know what was happening, and he was going to reach out to everyone in our circle. When I pull out my phone, however, Sel’s name flashes, and I signal to Dad that I’m stepping outside.

I tap on the phone to accept the call.

“Hey you.”

“How’s your mom today?” Sel asks.

“Her fever’s down, and she knows what’s going on when she wakes, but she’s still pale and lethargic. They’ve taken more blood tests. All we can do is hope that the antibiotics are starting to work. We’re clinging to that.”

“That sounds positive. And you? Your dad and siblings?”

I lean against the wall and drop my head back.

“I still can’t sleep more than a couple of hours at night.” I sigh. “The rest of my family are the same. Everyone’s on edge.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“When do you get here?”

“We’re about to take off, so maybe two hours? I booked a room at the Bancroft Hotel, so I’ll only be a couple of blocks from the hospital. I decided to stay the night and fly to Cali in the a.m.”

“But that means you’ll only get two days with your family.”

“I explained the situation and my mom understands. Speaking of family, did you tell yours I’d be stopping by?”

“Right after we finish this call.”

“Is there anything I can bring?”

“You.” My voice wobbles. “All I need is you.”

“I’m coming.”

I shove my phone back in my pocket and switch gloves again before heading back inside the room.

“Sorry about that,” I say to my dad. “Now, I think it’s time you go home, eat, shower, and rest for a while. I’ll be right here.”

“I don’t think I should leave⁠—”

“You’re going to be admitted next if you don’t take care of yourself.”

“What if⁠—”

“She’s stable for now, Dad. Go. I’ll call you right away if there’s any change.”

“Alright, but I’ll only be gone a couple of hours,” he states and stands up. “Who were you on the phone with?”