It’s the same question everyone asks, and I never know how to answer it honestly. “I’m managing. Taking it one day at a time.”
“That’s all you can do.” Ferrera looks at Amy again, then back at me. “You know, if you need anything, someone to talk to, whatever, don’t hesitate to call. We’re all rooting for you.”
“Thanks. That means a lot.”
After he leaves, I feel the heaviness of everyone’s concern pressing down on me. My colleagues checking on me, myparents calling daily for updates, even the nurses in the ICU who ask how I’m doing when they see me in the hallway.
Everyone wants to help, but no one can fix this. No one can make Amy wake up.
Except maybe Amy herself, if she decides she’s ready to come back to us.
When visiting hours officially end, I kiss Amy’s forehead and promise to be back tomorrow. The hallway outside the ICU feels longer than usual as I walk toward the elevators, passing nurses I recognize from my own shifts in other parts of the hospital.
My phone rings as I’m walking to the parking garage. Mom’s contact photo fills the screen.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Jordan, honey, how are you? How’s Amy?”
The question I’ve been dreading. “She’s doing good. Stable. The doctors are optimistic.”
It’s not exactly a lie, but it’s not the whole truth either. The doctors arecautiouslyoptimistic, which is different from optimistic. But Mom doesn’t need to know about the caution part.
“And how’s little Henry?”
“He’s great. Sleeping better, eating well. He slept through the night last night.”
“That’s wonderful. Are you managing okay on your own?”
“Actually, I hired some help. A nanny. She’s been a lifesaver.”
“A nanny?” Mom’s tone immediately shifts to what I recognize as her matchmaking voice. “What’s she like?”
“Professional. Good with babies. Very reliable.” I unlock my car and slide into the driver’s seat, already knowing where this conversation is headed.
“Is she pretty?”
“Mom.”
“What? I’m just asking. It would be nice if you finally had a woman around who could appreciate what a catch you are.”
Despite everything, I find myself smiling. “She’s helping me take care of Henry. That’s all.”
“If you say so. But Jordan? Don’t close yourself off to possibilities. Life is short, and you deserve to be happy.”
“I know, Mom. I’m just focused on getting through this right now.”
“Of course you are. But promise me you won’t forget to take care ofyourselftoo. Amy’s going to need you strong when she wakes up.”
Whenshe wakes up. Notif. Mom’s certainty helps, even if I’m not sure I share it completely.
“I promise. Henry and I are doing fine. Better than fine, actually.”
“Good. Send me some pictures of him when you get a chance.”
“I will. I love you, Mom.”
“Love you too, sweetheart. Give Henry a kiss from his grandma.”
