“Lily-bug,” I said, touching the cold metal bed rail.

Her dark lashes fluttered against her cheeks before her eyes opened and settled on my uniform collar.

She didn’t reach out her arms or say my name.

She pulled the rabbit two inches higher, wedging its flat ears tight under her chin.

“Are you thirsty, baby?” I asked.

She gave one tight nod, pressing her cheek harder into the pillow.

I picked up the plastic tumbler from the rolling table and squeezed the bendable straw with my thumb to clear the air bubble.