“It’s totally gone,” Dr.

Ramirez reassured her, patting Grace’s ankle through the blanket.

“You’re going to heal up just fine.”

Dr.

Ramirez checked the fluid bag on the IV pole, typed a short note on her tablet, and quietly stepped out into the corridor.

Grace shifted a little on her pillows, looking toward the open door for a long, quiet moment before turning back to me.

“Is Dad coming here?” Grace asked softly.