Chapter 6
Andrea appeared beside us.
"Is everything okay here?"
My mother instantly changed her expression.
"Oh, we're fine. Just a little family disagreement."
Andrea looked at me.
I said, "I've asked them to leave."
She didn't hesitate.
"Then they need to leave."
Dad puffed out his chest.
"We are her parents."
Andrea's voice remained calm.
"And she's an adult who has asked you to leave."
A hospital security officer approached from the desk.
My mother looked around, horrified that strangers might see.
And for the first time, I watched her experience the one thing she had always threatened me with.
Public embarrassment.
She turned toward me.
"You'll regret humiliating us like this."
I met her eyes.
"No, Mom. The only thing I regret is how long I let you treat us this way."
They left.
And I didn't follow.
Three days later, Layla was moved out of intensive care.
Two days after that, she was discharged.
I carried her out of the hospital wrapped in a pink blanket, clutching the stuffed rabbit Andrea had bought her from the gift shop.
Layla named it Captain Marshmallow.
Andrea cried when we said goodbye.
So did I.
Before we left, Layla reached for her hand.
"Thank you for making Mommy eat."
Andrea laughed through her tears.
"You're very welcome, sweetheart."
That was when I understood something.
Family wasn't always defined by who shared your blood.
Sometimes it was the person who noticed you hadn't eaten.
Sometimes it was the stranger who sat beside you when you were terrified.
Sometimes it was the woman who cared enough to remember that a mother needed looking after, too.
Back home, I made pancakes.
I used too many strawberries.
Layla ate three bites, declared herself full, and fell asleep on the couch with Captain Marshmallow tucked beneath her chin.
I sat beside her and watched the afternoon sunlight cross the floor.
For the first time in a week, our home was peaceful.
Then my phone buzzed.
It was Brianna.
Jason's new wife.
I'd almost forgotten she had my number.
Her message was short.
Can we talk? I think there's something you need to know.
I considered ignoring it.
Then another message arrived.
Jason told me you offered to pay for our honeymoon and then changed your mind because you were angry about the wedding. I just found out Layla was hospitalized. I had no idea.
I stared at the screen.