Page 154 of How You See Me
“In California.” Her tiny fingers wrap around my thumb, anchoring me.
“I was in California. Do you need proof? I have a photo.”
Her wiggly excitement gives me the answer. I pull out my phone, swiping through the photos I took for this moment, and show her the ones of me on the beach.
“It’s so pretty there. Did you get some seashells?”
“Duh. The bestones ever.”
She looks at me as if I brought the sun back from California and hung it over her bed. I would have if that’s what she wanted.
Raidyn crossing the room draws my attention. “We’re going to grab some coffee from the cute little shop across the street.”
“We are?” Mom protests but allows Raidyn to lift her off the chair.
“Yes. I think we both need some caffeine and vitamin D.” Her wink tells me she’s not only doing this for Mom. She’s giving me time alone with Ava, and I’m grateful.
“But—”
“Nobuts. If you sit here any longer, you’ll sprout roots and become a permanent part of this hospital.”
Mom rests a hand on Ava’s arm. “Ugh. No one wants that. Right, baby?”
Ava grins at her, their bond as strong as ever.
“I’ll be back soon.”
“It’s okay. I have Haysie with me.”
“You’re one lucky girl.” Mom rounds the bed and kisses my cheek. “Welcome home,” she whispers and reluctantly leaves with Raidyn on her heels.
“Tell me about the trip,” Ava says when the door clicks shut. “What was your favorite part?”
“I really enjoyed the fossil dig and the red rocks in Arizona.”
“Those would have been my favorites, too.” She beams as a bout of coughs shakes her entire body. Her fingers tighten around mine until it releases her.
Studying the heart monitor, my own heart lodges somewhere in my throat. Her numbers are slower than they should be. Should I call the nurse?
“Tell me more.” Her broken voice brings me back to her. She’s weaker now, her head resting back on the pillow, but she seems determined to ignore it.
I dive into the story, exaggerating like I would when she was little, making it bigger, wilder, even better than real life. She deserves that.
“What about Josie?”
My spine stiffens at the sound of her name. “What?”
“You left Josie out of the story.”
“Did I?” My free hand dives through my hair. “I didn’t mean to. I guess it hurts too much to think about her.”
“Why?”
“Because she’s not with me.”
“I get it.”
That makes me smile. “You do?”
