Inside Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Vincent and Luke were urging Tessa to get a check-up.
"A lung transplant isn't something to take lightly," Vincent said. "You shouldn't be out and about already. Are you sure you're feeling okay?"
A flicker of guilt crossed Tessa's face. She cleared her throat. "I'm fine. I'm not injured, so I don't need a check-up."
Seeing the worry still etched on Vincent's face, Tessa stood and gently ushered them toward the door. "Alright, you two, stop worrying. You've been here for days. Go home and get some real rest."
Luke pouted. "But Aunt Tessa, you haven't read me a fairy tale in so long…"
A flash of impatience crossed Tessa's face. She grabbed a new storybook from a nearby table and dismissively shoved it into Luke's hands. "You can look at the pictures for now. When Aunt Tessa is better, I'll read it to you."
Luke stared blankly at the copy of Andersen's Fairy Tales in his hands.