His Wife

After being discharged from the ER with strict instructions to rest, my first priority was checking on my mother. A nurse directed me to the orthopedic floor, where I found my brother pacing outside a room, his face lined with worry.

"Claire!" he exclaimed when he saw me, rushing over to envelope me in a crushing hug. "Where have you been? I've been trying to reach you for hours!"

I melted into his embrace, feeling some of the tension leave my body. "I'm sorry," I murmured. "There was... a lot happening. How's Mom?"

He pulled back, his expression a mix of relief and lingering concern. "She's got a fractured wrist and a cut on her forehead, but otherwise she's okay. They want to keep her overnight for observation because of her age, but she should be able to go home tomorrow."

I nodded, guilt gnawing at me. I knew there was nothing I could have done, but not being immediately available to my mom tore at my gut.

"Can I see her?" I asked.

My brother hesitated. "She's resting now.