“Why did you take so long to get here?” she asked.

The question was simple, the way only a child could ask it.

Ethan didn’t try to make excuses.

“I got lost,” Ethan said. “But I found my way back.”

Lauren reached out her hand and touched the lapel of his coat.

“Mama is very sick,” she whispered.

“I know,” Ethan said, his voice cracking slightly.

“We’re going to take care of her.”

Dr. Rao walked out of the intensive care unit, her green scrubs looking crumpled from a long shift.

She held a clipboard in her hand, her face serious.

Ethan stood up immediately.

“Dr. Rao,” Ethan said. “Is there any change?”

Dr. Rao looked at Ethan, then at me, and finally down at Lauren.

“Can we step outside for a moment?” Dr. Rao asked.

My heart sank.

I looked at Lauren, who was back on the floor, picking up a red crayon.

“I’ll stay with her,” I said to Ethan.

Ethan nodded.

He followed Dr. Rao out into the quiet corridor.

I watched them through the glass partition.

Dr. Rao was speaking slowly, gesturing with her hands.