I pulled it out and saw Melissa’s name flashing on the screen.

I stepped through the heavy doors into the carpeted corridor so the ringing wouldn’t disturb the room.

The air outside the unit was chilly against my neck.

“Did you call the bakery back?” Melissa said before I could even get the phone to my ear.

Her voice had the stretched, impatient tone she used when a store clerk took too long at the register.

“I’m standing outside the intensive care unit, Melissa,” I said.