ALEX'S POINT OF VIEW
"Are you sure you have everything?"
Elena smiled at me from the hospital bed. "Alex, you've checked three times. Yes, I have everything."
I looked around the room one more time anyway. Her clothes, folded neatly in the bag mum had brought. The flowers from well-wishers lined up on the windowsill. Get-well cards stacked on the side table. I'd made sure nothing was left behind.
"I'm just making sure."
"I know." She reached for my hand. "And I love you for it. But I'm ready to go home."
Home. The word settled something in my chest. She was well enough to go home. The doctor had cleared her this morning. Stable. Healing. The baby was fine.
A nurse knocked and entered with a wheelchair. "Hospital policy, Mrs. Reyes. Everyone leaves in a wheelchair."
Elena groaned. "I can walk."
"Hospital rules," I said, already moving to help her. "Doctor's orders."
