—Eleanor Roosevelt The gurney is moving again. I watch as the ceiling panels pass by overhead; a fluorescent light breaking up the tiles every now and then. We stop, and I hear the ding of the elevator. “We gotta go,” one of the orderlies says. “We love you, Hayley.” Mom kisses me. “I’ve got my watch set, Little Kid. I’ll see you when you get out.” Dad squeezes my hand. Cliff and Lily layer kisses on my forehead. Gretchen stretches out over my chest and hugs me to her. “I love you so much. Everything will be fine, Hay. I’m here for you.” Our hands entwine, and I sense the energy and love from her pouring into me. Fingers drag smoothly against each other as we’re finally separated. The wheels begin moving, and soon the tang of my sister’s sweet perfume is but a memory. My skin tingles in a good way. I’m still covered in my family’s love like an additional blanket on top of me. Everyone has told me it’s going to be all right. Why should I be worried, then?
