Emily's POV
The call came while I was sitting with Mom in her sunroom, the three of us, Mom, Nurse Mary, and I, sharing tea and light conversation about nothing in particular. The kind of comfortable moments that had become precious since Mom's treatment began showing real results.
My phone buzzed against the glass side table, the number unfamiliar but local.
My thumb hovered over the decline button. I wasn't in the mood for telemarketers or wrong numbers.
"Aren't you going to answer that, dear?" Mom's voice cut through my hesitation.
Before I could respond, Nurse Mary rose from her seat with practiced grace. "I think I'll get some water from the kitchen," she said softly, her eyes meeting mine with understanding.
I nodded gratefully as she slipped from the room, leaving Mom and me in the gentle quiet of the afternoon.
I sighed and swiped the screen, stepping toward the window. "Hello?"
