Marianne held her daughter close for a few more moments. Melody's sobs had quietened to hiccupping breaths, her body drained from the weight of everything she'd just said. Her head still rested in her mother's lap, eyes closed, as if the world might go away if she didn't open them. Melody kept on apologizing continuously, even though Marianne repeatedly assured her that it was not her fault.
Finally, when Melody's sobs had quietened, Marianne stopped stroking her hair and helped her sit straight. Looking at her bloodshot eyes she gently patted her face and said," I think you should close your eyes and rest some more. I'll be right back. Today you're going to be discharged and we might have to make some changes in what is going to happen. I'll be back soon."
Melodu looked up at her mother in confusion? "Mama? What changes woudl you need to make regarding my discharge? Where are you going?"