Page 128 of Introvert

I gave a small nod."Okay."

"I especially want to hear about the boy."

"Which one?"

"Funny." She tilted her head. "Also, I won't tell your dad about certain things if you don't want me to."

"But you said—"

"I know. That was to give him peace of mind. You're my daughter. You can tell me anything. I'd never betray your trust, and your dadwill be cool with that. You with me?"

"I am," I said.

"Good.So, who's Felix?"

The question was a hard one. "I have no idea how to answer that," I said honestly.

"Start at the beginning and bring me up to speed. You know how much I love tea, Ror. Spill."

I told her.

Let everything out. Mom and I talked well into the night. She laughed, frowned, and got misty-eyed. The release of talking to my mother, completely unfiltered, was another thing I'd missed.

And it felt so good I almost started crying again.

#

The next morning was interesting for more reasons than one.The test results came back. What Dad experienced was not in fact a stroke, TIA, or anything close—thank God. After hearing this, he was raring to go. Momwent out to stretch her legs. And I tried to loosen my limbs after sleeping in the semi-uncomfortable, all-hospitals-have-them recliner.As we were waiting for Dad to be discharged, he had a sudden craving for fast food.

"Dad, you're in a hospital gown," I reminded him.

"Yeah, and I'm rocking it," he said.

"You can't get out of bed to go and get a pizza."

"Why not?"

"Because you're recovering from heat exhaustion?"

He released a long exhale. "Okay, Aurora, you win.But get that frown off your face. I've never felt better."

Mom came in and smiled. "That's because you're finallygoing home."

Dad whooped.

"The doctor talked to me outside. He'll be in in a second to make it official. You ready?"

"Heck yes. I miss my bed."

She looked at me. "Aurora?"

I nodded. "I miss my bed too."

"That's because you've been cramped on that bus for so long."

"It's actually surprisingly comfortable," I said.

The doc came in, recommended Dad stay hydrated, take cool showers, and relax for the next few days. Then he told us we could go. My father hopped out of bed, went into the bathroom, and changed faster than I could blink.

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