Me:Hey, Ben. Just wanted you to know I’m thinking about you and Laney. I love you.
My finger lingers over the send button, my stomach in knots. I want him to reply so badly, but at the same time, I’m scared of what he might say. If Molly doesn’t make it… I don’t know how to handle that. And I hate that part of me is even thinking about myself right now. This isn’t about me. But the truth is, I’ve neverlost anyone before. I’ve never stood beside someone who has. I have no idea what to say or how to be there for him, and that terrifies me.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
Ben
Laney has been quiet the entire drive to Phoenix, her gaze fixed on the window, lost in thought. She hasn’t said a single word, and it’s starting to worry me. I’ve tried to get her to talk, making a few quiet attempts at conversation, but she’s completely shut down. I can’t say I blame her. She lost her mom once already when she was twelve, but there was always a sliver of hope that Molly would wake up. This time feels different, and I think we both know it.
I’m relieved the care facility has informed Bennett, Molly’s brother. It means I don’t have to talk to him, at least not until he shows up, which might take a while if he’s overseas. There’s no one else on Molly’s side I need to contact. I’ve already spoken with my parents, but given Dad’s health, there’s no chance they’ll be able to make the trip. Kirsten lives and works here in Phoenix. Not at this hospital, but close enough that she might stop by if she can. She and Molly were close before the accident.
For now, it’s just Laney and me. I just hope I’m strong enough for both of us.
I pull into the parking lot of Banner–University Medical Center and ease the car into an empty space. Shifting into park, I cut the engine, but neither Laney nor I makes a move to get out. The silence stretches between us, heavy and thick. After a few minutes, I reach over and take her hand in mine.
“We should head inside,” I say quietly.
She turns to look at me, her eyes glassy with sadness.
“Okay,” she whispers.
I always knew there was a possibility we’d end up here someday. I’ve questioned more than once how much more Molly’s body could endure. Deep down, I think Laney knew it too, even if she couldn’t say it out loud.
As we enter the emergency department, I walk toward the reception desk, still holding Laney’s hand. I give over Molly’s information, and an uneasy feeling settles deep in my stomach when they direct us through the main waiting area to a relatives’ room. That can’t be a good sign.
When we step inside, I spot Olivia from the care facility.
“Ben, Laney,” she says, rising from her seat and approaching us.
She wraps Laney in a firm hug, and Laney returns it just as tightly. The care facility staff have become like family, especially Olivia, who’s been caring for Molly for years. Laney and Olivia share a special bond because of it.
“Any updates?” I ask as Olivia releases Laney and gently guides her to a chair.
Olivia shakes her head. “No. They took her straight back when we arrived, and I haven’t heard anything since.”
“I’m so grateful you came with her, Olivia. It means a lot that she wasn’t alone.”
“Of course. We all love Molly.”
I give her a small, sad smile. “I’ll try to find someone to give us an update.”
“I’ll stay with Laney,” Olivia offers.
I nod at her in appreciation before turning back to Laney. “I’ll be right back, okay?”
“Okay,” she whispers, her gaze fixed on her hands resting in her lap.
Just as I’m about to step out, the door opens, and a man in a white lab coat enters. Olivia and Laney immediately rise from their seats.
“Molly Murphy’s family?” he asks, his eyes scanning between me, Olivia, and Laney.
“I’m her husband, and this is her daughter, Laney,” I reply, stepping forward and extending my hand to him.
He offers a sad smile as he takes my hand. “Dr. Lawson. I’ve been overseeing Molly’s care.”
“How is she?” I ask, trying to read his face for any hint of what’s to come.
“I’m afraid Molly is very ill,” he replies.
