She scolded herself for spiraling—again. Her mind had gone sprinting to the worst possible place, skipping every reasonable explanation. But fear clung to her bones, deep and familiar. Still, she nodded when Ashley asked if she’d stay for the tests. She’d wait. She owed her daughter at least that much.
Nurses wheeled her down sterile corridors, machines beeped, needles pricked, and strange liquids coursed through her veins. By the time she returned to the room, the walls spun slightly. Hours passed before the doctor knocked and entered. His expression was not relief—but something muddled between concern and confusion.