“The doctors need room to help Mom,” I said.

“Uncle Kyle and Grandma will take you to the hospital.

I’m going with her as soon as they let me.” Joanne squeezed my shoulder.

Kyle said nothing.

For a man who had managed every phone call and decision since Rachel’s supposed death, his silence was conspicuous.

“She heard me, Daddy,” Lucas said.

“I know she did.” I pressed my forehead to his.

I could not tell him what the paramedics had found, beyond their confirmation of signs of life, and I would not promise what medicine could not promise.