Ana’s hands shook, but she told herself she had to be brave and clasped the phone she still held from calling Magdalena. When the nurse came to the door, she stood. “I’ve sent someone down to meet your sister, Ms. Ludzecky. She can come in and wait with you.” Nodding, Ana swallowed hard. She’d panicked and called Mags. She needed somebody. The fact that she had no one else mocked her. No, she wouldn’t think about that. She’d concentrate on her daughter. Minutes crawled by like hours. At least Opal was out of pain. She’d been crying hard when the ambulance arrived. The hospital had given her some pain medication, then Opal had fallen asleep. Lost in thought, she didn’t know how long it was before Magdalena and Logan came through the ER treatment room door. Her sister rushed to her. Again, Ana stood and Magdalena took her into her arms. But Ana didn’t cry. She couldn’t. She was the responsible parent here. Magdalena said, “Let’s go into the hall and talk, so we don’t disturb Opal.”
