TWO WEEKS, FOUR DAYS INTO THE CONTRACT - SATURDAY AFTERNOON
Eve sat in the uncomfortable visitor's chair beside her mother's hospital bed, trying to focus on the conversation. Trying to be present. Trying to ignore the restlessness building under her skin.
"You're not listening," Margaret said gently, a knowing smile on her face.
"I am," Eve protested. "You were talking about the new physical therapist, how he's helping with...."
"That was ten minutes ago, sweetheart." Her mother's smile widened. "I've been talking about possibly being discharged next week, and you haven't heard a word."
Eve felt her face heat. "I'm sorry, Mom. I'm just... distracted."
"I can see that." Margaret studied her daughter's face. "You keep checking your phone. Fidgeting. You look like you want to be somewhere else."
