I picked up my phone and called the assisted living facility.

“Please tell my mother I’m coming to see her when my doctor clears me to travel,” I said.

The receptionist sounded pleased.

“She’ll be delighted.”

I looked at the false letter spread on my bed.

“I’m not sure she will.”

PART 10

Two days later, the hospital discharged me with detailed instructions and a stern warning not to turn my recovery into an endurance contest.