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While I waited for a return text, Parker stepped out of the elevator.
“I was just coming to look at Sophie’s chart. Did the bloodwork come back yet?” Parker asked for the chart. “Also, I hear my wife is here.”
We were in discussion on the next steps for Sophie when the elevator doors opened with barking. We both turned to see an elevator full of balloons.
“Oh, good heavens,” a voice came from behind the balloons.
Mom had arrived at the hospital with Amoeba, Parker’s dog, inside her oversized purse, and a bouquet of pink, red, yellow, and orange balloons. Murphy squeezed out of the open elevator carrying a pink vase full of white and red roses with baby’s breath peeking out along the edges and a soft, fuzzy, stuffed bunny.
“Mom? It’s sounds like you’re in there, but I can’t see you.” I reached for the balloons. “Let me help you.”
“Trey, dear,” Mom said, following me into the hallway, “is it okay to visit Sophie?”
“Yes, of course you can, but first explain to me how you got past the front desk with a dog.”
“It was easy. I just…” Mom started.
“Wait, I know where this is going. Please tell me when they asked that you said Parker’s name and not mine,” I begged.
“Oh, I wouldn’t do that to you. Besides, it’s Parker’s dog.” Mom raised her eyebrows.
“Trey, Mother doesn’t need anyone’s permission. In case you forgot, the Hawthorne family paid for every wing of this hospital.” Parker looked to Ameoba with a “shhhhh.”
“I don’t think that means she’s allowed to do whatever she wants. It’s still a dog,” I argued. “You need to get in Sophies room before security comes up here.”
“That’s where I was going with these balloons,” Mom answered. “Where did Murphy go?”
“She’s over there flirting with my PA. She really has to stop making him think he has a chance.” I took the balloons from her hands. Come on, let’s go bring these in.”
“Parker, get your sister please.” Mom shifted her bag with the dog inside. “Do you think she’ll like the balloons?”
“You never fail to go all out, do you?” I hugged her and reached over to her purse to pet the puppy behind the ears.
“Do you know what’s going on yet? Has the fever gone away?”
“She’s resting right at the moment. The fever has been up all afternoon. She may get an IV soon. You head on in. I think she is going to be very happy to see Amoeba.”
I looked over to Parker trying to get Murphy to come with him. He needed to be tougher with the brat, but it wasn’t my turn, so he’d have to figure it out.
I followed my mother as we quietly pushed through the door to Sophie’s room.
“Mummy, look, Miss Victoria is here.” Sophie rubbed her eyes from just waking.
“Hey, you two,” Mom said to Chloe and Mia, who sat near the window reading magazines. “I heard there’s a sick little girl in here who would feel better if Amoeba could lick her.” Mom reached into her purse to scoop the puppy out and onto Sophie’s bed.
“You brought Amoeba to see me?”
“Yes, I thought she might make you feel better,” Mom said. “She looked very sad to be left alone at home.”
The little puppy walked carefully across the blankets to Sophie’s side. She looked at her for a few seconds, then licked her hand. Sophie managed a weak laugh.
“She likes me.” Sophie allowed the puppy to get in her lap, now introducing her friends to the puppy. “This is Benjamin, and this is my new teddy Henry.”
“Of course, she likes you,” Mia told her. “I think she likes your teddies too.”
Sophie laid back on the pillows. Amoeba curled up next to her. She petted the puppy very gently, Amoeba’s eyes closing after a few blinks.
“She is so cute, Aunt Mia,” Sophie whispered, then closed her eyes and fell back asleep too.
