“I know,” I interrupt gently. “I know the statistics.”
“We’re continuing with the current treatment plan. Physical therapy is working with her daily to maintain muscle tone and prevent complications. Are you planning to visit today?”
“Later this afternoon, probably.”
“Good. And Jordan? Don’t lose hope. I’ve seen patients wake up after longer periods. Amy is young and strong.”
After we hang up, I stare at the phone for a moment, feeling the familiar sense of helplessness settle in my chest. Almost two weeks. Almost two weeks since the accident, and Amy is no closer to waking up than she was that first day.
The sound of the front door opening pulls me from my thoughts, and I quickly set the phone aside as Alexa and Ash walk in. Something about the way I’m standing must look suspicious because Alexa glances at the phone, then at me.
“Sorry, we’re running a bit behind,” she says, dropping her purse by the door and running a hand through her hair. “Ash wanted to find some comics to read before his carpool pickup.”
I notice how harried she looks this morning, her blond hair messily pulled back in a ponytail, her shirt slightly wrinkled like she grabbed the first thing she could find. But even disheveled, she’s beautiful. The kind of natural beauty that doesn’t need perfect styling or expensive clothes to be stunning.
“No problem at all,” I tell her, lifting Henry from his bouncy seat. “When’s the pickup?”
“About thirty minutes,” Ash says, settling his backpack by the couch and pulling out a small stack of comics. “Mr. Johann is starting a new carpool group, and today’s my first day.”
“That’s exciting,” I say, bouncing Henry gently. “New routine.”
“Yeah. Mom thought it would be good for me to ride with other kids instead of her always having to drive me.” Ash spreads his comics out on the coffee table. “Plus, this way she doesn’t have to leave you and Henry to take me to school.”
Alexa’s cheeks flush slightly. “It just makes more sense with my work schedule.”
I can see the stress around her eyes despite the practical arrangement. The constant job hunting, taking care of Ash, and now working for me, while still trying to find something more permanent. She’s carrying a lot on her shoulders.
“You know what?” I say, the idea forming as the words come out. “You should take a night off this week. Let me watch Ash for an evening so you can go out and have some fun.”
“Oh, Jordan, that’s sweet, but I don’t really have anywhere to go.” She waves off the suggestion, but I can hear something wistful in her voice. “Besides, I don’t want to impose.”
“You’re not imposing. I’m offering. Go on a date.”
The words come out before I can stop them, and I immediately regret the suggestion. The last thing I want is for Alexa to go on a date with some other guy. But I’m trying to be supportive, trying to be the kind of friend she deserves.
She doesn’t respond to that, just looks down at her hands.
“Or,” I continue quickly, relief flooding through me at her obvious lack of enthusiasm for dating, “you could go out with Esme. You mentioned she’s always trying to get you to do things.”
“I don’t know…” Alexa starts, but Ash’s head pops up from where he’s been organizing his school supplies.
“Wait, I get to hang out with Jordan by myself?” Ash’s eyes light up with excitement. “Can we order pizza? Can we watch a superhero movie? Can we work on that comic book collection you told me about?”
I laugh at his enthusiasm. “We can do whatever you want, within reason.”
“Mom, please say yes,” Ash pleads, bouncing on his toes. “This would be so cool.”
Alexa looks between us, and I can see her wavering. “I really don’t want to be a bother.”
“You’re not a bother,” I say firmly. “You’ve taught me everything I know about taking care of Henry. You’ve made my life immeasurably easier over the past two weeks. Let me do something nice for you.”
“But what if Henry needs something? What if he gets fussy and you can’t calm him down?”
“Then I’ll call you. But I think Henry and I will be fine for one evening.” I adjust Henry in my arms, and he reaches for my shirt, content and relaxed. “Look. He’s already comfortable with me.”
“Say yes, Mom,” Ash adds. “Please?”
Finally, Alexa sighs in defeat. “Okay. Fine. I’ll call Esme and see if she wants to do something Friday night.”
