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My mom takes a step back, giving me some space with my dad. "It's been tough," she says, her voice shaking. "But we're getting through it. Your cousin has been a huge help."
"Yeah, I'm glad Craig gave me a call," I nod. "Where is he anyway?"
"Back at the house taking care of the dogs," she says. "I'm sure he would like a break if you want to head there and take over for him. And you said you were bringing Tex and a girl?"
I laugh softly, suddenly embarrassed that I didn't even mention her. "Yeah...she's outside with the dog," I murmur. "Sophia."
"Can I step outside and say hello to her before you take off?" my mom says. "You'll be okay here, right?"
My dad nods, the motion halting. "I can still call the nurses," he says weakly.
I frown. "Are you sure you don't want me to stay?"
My mom hums. "You know I won't leave his side, honey. The doctor said he could be discharged fairly soon with some at-home assistance, though, so I'll enlist your help on that."
I reach out to squeeze my dad's hand again, knowing I need to get Tex and Sophia settled and that I need to take over for Craig. "Okay...if you say so," I say. "I love you, dad."
"Love you too," he rasps.
I try not to show how I'm feeling as I walk out of the hospital room with my mom. Walking down the hallway, I can feel my mom's eyes on me. She's always been wise like that, able to pick up on the slightest shifts in mood or behavior, and I'm not surprised when she clears her throat.
"You've never brought anyone home other than Amanda," she says quietly. "So she must be special."
"She is," I say. "But she's...I don't want to surprise you too much, but she's young. Much younger than me."
My mom shrugs. "I just want to see you happy, Ry."
"I am happy. Maybe happier than I've ever been."
She reaches out and squeezes my shoulder, the two of us pausing in the small lobby before we go back outside. It's still early afternoon, and the sun is bright outside.
"Ryan, he's got a lot more life to live," she says, meeting my eyes. "Your dad...he's a fighter. We know that. You need to have faith in him."
"I know, I'm just...I'm really fucking scared," I murmur.
"Me too," she nods. "But he's going to be okay. And he'll be just as happy as I am to meet your girlfriend."
I chuckle. "She's amazing. We're just...seeing where things go, you know?"
She winks at me. "Well, let me know if you need any pointers. Your dad used to be quite the ladies' man back in the day."
I roll my eyes, feeling a small smile tug at the corners of my mouth. "Yeah, I'm good on pointers, thanks."
We step outside, and I see Sophia sitting on the curb with Tex, rubbing his belly and murmuring something to him. She looks up when she sees us, her face breaking into a smile.
"Hey," she says, standing up and dusting off her jeans. "How was it? How is your father?"
I shake my head, not wanting to lie to her. "It was...tough."
"I'm so sorry," she says, coming over to wrap her arms around me. "I don't know what to say, but I'm here."
She pulls back slightly and then looks at my mom. "You must be Anita?"
My mom beams at her, nodding. "That's me."
"Um...I don't know if this is appropriate, but do you want a hug?" Sophia asks.
My mom laughs and nods once again, opening her arms wide. Sophia steps forward and hugs her, and I can see how much my mom's face lights up.
