***
At 11:45, Mom's text arrived.
Mom: Paige needs help with the kids. Sorry. See you later.
I'm going to live.
Then my sister.
Paige: It’s just a bell, Nora. Don’t make such a big deal out of it.
My brother followed.
Dean: Work's crazy. Don't make me feel bad.
I called Mom. "You promised!"
See you later.
"You're healthy now, Nora. Can't you just be happy?"
I heard Paige laughing behind her.
"You're together? You couldn't spare fifteen minutes?"
"Don't start an argument."
She hung up.
It’s just a bell.
They were together. And I was alone.
I thought ringing that bell alone would be the day's cruelest memory. I had no idea what my family had kept from me.
Sarah, my nurse, found me staring at the elevator.
"Nobody's coming?"
I shook my head.
You're healthy.
