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“He’s waiting on the results from the doctor. But we’re allowed to visit him, a few at a time.”
“Mom, this is Henry’s roommate, Spencer.” Once they greeted each other, we sat down beside him. “What happened exactly?”
“He told the team about his cancer and how he knew you. And it seemed to go well.” He grimaced. “But then he sort of stumbled, and before we knew what was happening, he had passed out. Scared the shit out of us.”
“Oh my God.” Probably scared the crap out of himself too. I wished I could’ve been there for him, but how could anyone have known?
In a low voice, Spencer asked, “Do you think this has something to do with his cancer returning?”
“I don’t know. Depends on a lot of factors.” My gut churned. “He told me he had night sweats a couple of times. But there’s a lot more to it than that.”
“That would explain him laundering sheets more than usual,” Spencer replied, and I put my hand to my mouth. Should I have said something sooner? Even if I did, he was his own person, and it was up to him to get help, which he’d promised to do if it kept happening.
“Maybe it’s not related at all,” Mom said, tapping my knee. “Let’s wait to hear something before jumping to conclusions.”
I sighed and sat back. “You’re right.”
When Bones, A-Train, and Flash came into the room, they didn’t seem surprised to see me.
Bones approached us and said, “Sorry if I gave you a hard time. I think I get it now.”
But did he really? When my gaze met Spencer’s, I had a feeling Henry’s best friend knew what was happening between Henry and me. And I got the impression he would keep it to himself.
“I’m sorry too,” Flash blurted out. “For acting like a jackass about everything.”
I smiled, glad these guys seemed to be taking it all to heart. “It’s all cool.”
“You boys should head back to Roosevelt,” Coach said as he stood. But classes were the last thing on my mind. I wasn’t leaving, not until I saw Henry with my own two eyes. “Who’s next?”
“Is Lark allowed to visit Henry too?” Mom asked Coach after the final four players went to the room, leaving only us and Spencer. “As you know, the boys have been a good support for each other.”
“I don’t see why not. But that would be up to Henry,” he replied. “Not sure if his parents will chime in. You know how it is.”
I made a frustrated sound, and Mom squeezed my shoulder.
“Henners would want that. He cares about Lark,” Spencer said. “He should be allowed to see him too.”
“I agree,” Coach said. “I’ll walk down with you to speak to them.”
After the last players said their goodbyes, we followed Coach and Spencer to Henry’s room.
“Just a couple more visitors,” Coach said in greeting. “You’re probably tired.”
“Helps kill time. Who is it?” Henry asked, and as soon as his eyes met mine at the door, his smile was blinding. “You came!”
I ignored how uncomfortable his parents looked as I stepped farther inside. “You gave all of us a good scare.”
His smile faltered. “I know. I’m sorry.”
I felt their scrutiny, and Mom must’ve noticed because she squeezed my hand, then took a step back so as not to crowd us, and said, “I’m just here for support. I know how scary all this must’ve been.” That was mainly for the benefit of Henry’s parents, but all they did was nod.
“Is Star here too?” Henry asked.
“She’s at preschool. Plus, the hospital has rules for kids who aren’t family.”
“Just as well that she doesn’t see me hooked up to these machines.” He lifted his hand, which pulled at the IV line.
His dad seemed confused, so I said, “Star is my sister. You might’ve seen her at Parents’ Day.”
