She raced through the hospital wards, ignoring the shouts from angry nurses. She stopped short outside Linda's door, took a deep breath to calm herself, and entered the room as quietly as she could. Maria and Samuel were already there bent over the bed, and Sophia was talking quietly to them. They went quiet as she entered and stepped away from the bed to let her approach.
She raced to the side of the bed and carefully took Linda's hand in her own. Her hand was skinny and cold, and her skin felt waxy, but she squeezed back very lightly.
"Linda, I'm so happy to see you," she said. "How are you feeling? What did the doctor say?"
"I'm feeling much better," Linda croaked. "Sophia told me everything you and Sean have done for me. Thank you, Catherine."
"Don't mention it," Catherine said. "Maria, Sophia, what did the doctor say?"