“He’s a friend,” I quickly answered in his stead.

“Yeah, we are friends.” He wore an agreeable smile.

My mom arrived in no time at all. If it was left to me, I’d say she had teleported. The worry on her face was unmatched by any I had ever witnessed.

“Goodness, gracious.” She kept on sighing, unsettled.

“You have to calm down, Mom. I’m better.” I tried to assure her, but she was not buying it.

“You don’t look too good, my darling.” No sooner had she commented than the door opened. Jacob unobtrusively walked in. He had seen Old Napoleon off.

“Will you come home with me? Your dad and I will take care of you.” She cried, not minding his reappearance.

“Ah, that won’t be necessary, I think I will be discharged soon.” I lied.

“Really?” She grimaced. “Is that so?” She turned to look at Jacob, standing not too far from us.

“The doctor has not mentioned anything about that.” He said, unaffectedly.

I groaned, rolling my eyes. Why could he not help me just this once?

“Just come with me, honey.” My mom insisted.

“That will not be possible. I just reopened the coffee shop, it’s not going to look good on the business if I just disappear again.” I reasoned.

“It’s just for a few days.”

“No, Mom. I disagree.”

“I’ll stay here with you then.”

“Oh, Mom.” I sighed.

“What?” She frowned.

“You don’t have to, I’ll be fine.”

“Well, I think I have to.” She said, resolute.

“How long are you going to stay for?”

“Depends.”

I knew I was not going to win at that point.

“You said she’s had soup?” She turned to Jacob.

“Yes, she has,” he answered immediately.

“Good. I appreciate your call and help.” She smiled.

“It’s my pleasure,” he replied.

Mom’s phone began to ring.

“Ah, your father is calling,” she said, extricating it from the purse.

“Will you talk to him?” She stretched out the hand that had the phone.