Helen said she could travel immediately.

She asked only one question before packing: “Is Ashley safe?”

“At the hospital, yes,” Natalie answered.

“She’s receiving care.”

“Then tell her Aunt Helen is coming.

And tell her she can be angry with me for not calling sooner.”

Back in the hospital, the child listened to a voice message from her relative.

It contained nothing grand, only reminders about old holiday visits and Leah’s terrible singing.