She helped Mom change into a gown, reviewed medications and allergies, and talked about recovery.
“The physical therapy is the important part,” Patricia explained. “Do the exercises even when you don’t feel like doing them, and you’ll recover much faster.”
Mom laughed.
“I was a nurse for years. I know exactly what hospital staff say about patients who refuse their exercises.”
Patricia laughed too.
“Oh, then you’re going to be our favorite patient.”
Everything felt completely ordinary.
I was scrolling through my phone when Patricia said:
“All right, Helen. I’m going to start your IV now.”
She pushed the sleeve of Mom’s hospital gown higher.
Then she stopped.
The sudden silence made me look up.
Patricia was holding my mother’s wrist.
And she was staring directly at the blue flower.
Her entire expression had changed.
The friendly smile was gone.
She looked stunned.
Not confused.
