"Grandpa?" Ivy called.
"Yes, princess," Sam quickly answered, adjusting himself in his oversized chair. The faint hum of the television carried the business news—numbers, profits, and stock reports he barely listened to anymore. The only sound that mattered now was her voice.
Ivy stepped into the room. "Is Uncle Evans coming tonight? He isn't picking up his calls."
Sam squinted at her over his glasses. "Uh… I don't know, love. Is there something you need?"
"I think I need to go to the hospital," Ivy said lightly, trying to sound casual, even playful. She brushed a strand of hair from her face, pretending it was nothing.
But the second she saw his expression change—from calm to alarmed—she realized her mistake.
Sam straightened instantly, dropping the remote. "Are you alright? John!" His voice boomed through the house. "John!!"
