“Madi?” Mom asked.
“Matt?”
“He’ll be okay,” Dad answered. “The doctor set his arm and treated his burns.”
“Bad?”
Thank God they understood what I meant, because my throat could only handle one word at a time.
“Second and third-degree burns. He may need a skin graft, but he’ll make a full recovery.”
Thank you, God.
I nodded as tears of relief rolled down my face.
“Water.”
My mom held the cup and guided the straw to my lips.
The bland, room temperature liquid was the best thing I’d ever tasted in my entire life.
“See him?” I needed to see that he was okay.
“I’ll ask Jamie to see if he’s awake yet.”
“Thanks.”
“Do you want to see your brothers?”
When I opened my mouth, my mom said, “Just nod or shake.”
I nodded and held up one finger.
“In a minute?” Dad asked.
I shook my head.
“One at a time?” he asked.
I nodded to confirm.
“I’ll text Jamie.”
Dad answered the door when a knock sounded. Jamie watched me as Dad talked to him. He nodded before walking over.
“You gave us quite a scare, big sister.”
More tears. This time happy ones because I was alive to hear my twin tease me.
“Sorry.”
“Dad said to ask yes or no questions, so I’ll do my best.”
I smiled in response.
“Can I hug you?”
His face blurred when I nodded a little too enthusiastically.
