Hanging up the phone, relief rushes through me. I close my eyes and let the good news sink in for a moment before heading to the kitchen where Zoe and the kids are having breakfast.

Megan is awake and sitting at the table. I think she’s trying to show how sorry she is after the drama of last night. I’m glad she’s here and safe. She looks up at me when I enter and offers me a small, grateful smile. “Morning.”

I smile. “Morning. How’d you sleep?”

Megan nods. “Well.”

“I’m glad. Even better, I have some good news for everyone. I just got off the phone with the hospital, and your mom is awake and doing well.”

I watch Megan squeeze her eyes shut in relief and let out a long breath. I can see the guilt in her expression.

I go over to her and give her shoulder a comforting squeeze. “Your mom will be glad you’re here to see her.”

She smiles. It’s good to know that I’ve done the right thing for once. Megan is here and safe, and I was the one to bring her home. You were here when Laura needed you. It feels good.

The kids are both dressed for school. Megan is dressed unusually conservatively in a thick sweater and jeans. Her hair is down and hasn’t been straightened. She’s not even wearing makeup. When she stands to pick up her bag, her whole body is slumped, like the weight of the world is on her.

When Jack goes upstairs to brush his teeth, I take Megan aside. “Are you alright?”

She forces a smile. “I’m fine.”

Megan doesn’t look fine. Her eyes are surrounded by dark circles. Her lips are pale. She looks like she’s on the verge of tears. All the stress and hardship of the last few weeks has caught up with her, and after being let down so badly by Justin, I can tell she’s in a vulnerable place.

“Look, you’ve had a rough couple of days. Why don’t you stay home today?”

Zoe overhears and joins in the conversation. “That sounds like a good idea. You don’t look well.”

Megan looks from me to Zoe. She still looks like she’s about to cry. “Really?”

“I think you need a little time to let the last few weeks sink in. Stay home. I’ll take the day off, too. Me, you and your uncle can just veg out all day on the sofa, watch some bad movies, eat some junk—what do you say?”

“That sounds good. Thanks, guys.”

Zoe smiles and nods toward the stairs. “Go get changed into your comfiest PJs. I’ll take Jack to school. I’ll tell him you’re coming later.”

Megan goes upstairs to dump her school stuff in her room and get changed into something more comfortable, while I take Jack to school.

After he’s been dropped off, Zoe, Megan and I do just as we planned. We pull out a big blanket, draw the drapes, and shut ourselves off from the world.

Megan sits in the middle, with Zoe and me on either side.

I put on a film, but I don’t watch much of it. My eyes keep traveling over to the girls: Megan, my niece, who I barely knew until now; and Zoe, the woman who’s held my hand through something I’d never have been able to handle alone.

I love them both. I love my sister, and I love Jack.

My heart swells as I watch them sitting there. Zoe has a content little smile on her face, her arm around Megan’s shoulders. I know she has work to do, but as always, she’s putting Megan first. There’s no panic in her expression, though. She’s simply enjoying her moment with Megan. I could learn something from her.

* * *

When I see Laura, my heart warms. She’s awake and laughing with one of the nurses. She looks better. In fact, she’s out of traction, still lying flat, but with her head slightly propped up on two pillows.

Megan and Jack rush ahead to hug her.

Laura grins. “Hello, my loves. What do you look so worried for? Mom’s still here.”

I step forward, and squeeze her hand, offering her an affectionate smile. “You’re determined to milk this visit for all it’s worth, aren’t you?”

She laughs. “Hi, Tom. I’m sorry for scaring you all again.”

“You promised you weren’t going to do that anymore.”

“I’m just keeping you on your toes.” I lean forward to kiss her on her cheek. She smiles.

“You’re out of the cage.”

She grins. “I am. The doctor says I still need to take it easy, but we’re starting on the physiotherapy now, so I should soon be back to my old self.”

“I’m glad. You’ve been missed.”

“I’m doing great,” Laura insists. “What about you guys?”

“We’re all good, Laura. Megan took the day off with her Aunt Zoe and me today.”

Jack screws up his face in betrayal. “I thought you said she was coming later!”

“She wasn’t feeling well, kiddo.”

Laura scans my face, searching my expression for truth. She lifts her hand slightly toward Megan. Megan steps forward and takes it, her eyes glistening with tears.

Laura fixes her with a hard stare. “How are you doing, sweetheart?”

She bursts into tears and leans over Laura, sobbing into her chest. Laura lifts her arms as high as she can to comfort her. I can see her pained expression over Megan’s shoulder. She looks guilty.

“I want you to come home, Mom.”

“We’re almost there, sweetheart. Come on, now, don’t cry. Isn’t Tom taking good care of you?”

Megan lifts her face and looks back over her shoulder at me, her eyes still wet with tears. She smiles, sits back, and wipes her eyes with her sleeves. “He’s been great. I miss you, though.”