Zarah appeared to be resting quietly. He wanted to go inside and make sure, but he didn’t want to take the chance of waking her while she was sleeping peacefully. He stood in the doorway for a few minutes. When she didn’t move, he heaved a sigh of relief and retreated to his room. He glanced at the clock. Eight thirty wasn’t too late. He dialed his mother’s number, and she answered. “I’m glad you’re there,” he told her. Comfort from his mother was exactly what Joel needed in order to get through this ordeal. “Why? What’s going on?” she asked, unaware of the weighty response coming. “I’m at the house with Zarah. She was in a lot of pain earlier.” “Did you take her to the hospital?” Sherry blurted out. “No. She wouldn’t let me call the ambulance.” “What do you mean, she wouldn’t let you? Just dial the number. She can’t stop you.” Joel didn’t want to second-guess his decision. He’d come to terms with not getting help. He didn’t want his mother to stir up his doubt.
