Chapter 44: ICU

I glance over at Mrs. Stephens, who looks like she's about to cry. She gives me a nod, encouraging me to go without her.

And that's it. I'm on my own. No more safely nets.

It's so quiet I can hear our shoes hitting the tile floor with each step. Even the nurses are whispering to each other. It's creepy and feels like I'm crossing into another dimension between here and death.

Dr. Calloway stops just in front of a closed door. The room is almost entirely glass but he's blocking my view.

"Don't let what you see shock you. I promise, your mother isn't in any pain."

When he moves away and I see her and my hand goes directly to my mouth.

Her entire head has been wrapped, only revealing her eyes, nose, and mouth, while tubes are taped to almost every part of her body. The steady pings and beeps from a collection of monitors nearly drown out what the doctor says to me next.

"Only thirty minute visits for now."