Michael crossed the busy lobby with a plastic discharge folder.

Noah sat in a wide wheelchair, a strict rule for every patient leaving the children’s wing.

A thick white fiberglass cast ran up Noah’s right arm from his knuckles to just under his shoulder.

He gripped his left sleeve tight with his good hand.

“The release forms are signed,” Michael said.

Derek nodded and rubbed his thumb against his knuckle.

He bent down and picked up Noah’s heavy green nylon backpack.