Inside the box were papers. Medical forms, printouts, and handwritten notes.
The first thing I saw was an appointment card from a cardiology clinic.
Scheduled for next week.
Beneath it was a printed confirmation from the patient portal.
My eyes scanned the page, then stopped.
Appointment canceled by parent – Eric.
Not missed.
Canceled.
My stomach dropped.
Next to it was a sticky note in Liam’s handwriting.
Dad said I don’t need it. Mom will worry.
I felt something inside me crack.
My phone buzzed again. This time, I answered.
“Why did you leave the hospital?” Eric asked immediately.
“I needed to get some things,” I replied. “And I needed to think.”
A pause.
“You’re not in his room, are you?”
I narrowed my eyes. “Why does that matter?”
Another pause, longer this time.
