“This what you were looking for, sir?” the officer asked, turning his gaze to me.

“Yes,” I breathed, my chest tightening.

“That’s Megan’s blood pressure medicine.”

“We looked everywhere for that.”

“She needs it daily.”

The paramedic who had gone to the bathroom stepped back into the kitchen, his eyes shifting between the bottle and my mother.

“If she hasn’t been taking this, her blood pressure could be dangerously high,” the paramedic said.

“Or if she took too many, her system could crash.”

“We need to get her to the hospital immediately.”

From the hallway, the female paramedic called out.

“Vitals are still dropping, we are moving her now!”

The metal frame of the stretcher clattered against the narrow doorframe as they began wheeling Megan out.

“Jake,” Megan groaned, her voice faint, barely a whisper.

“I’m right here, honey,” I called back, but my legs wouldn’t move.

I was staring at my mother.

Her face had gone completely smooth, devoid of any warmth or panic.

“Why was that in your bag, Ma?” I asked, my voice trembling.

“I have no idea,” she said, her voice cool and steady.