“We see a great deal of family stress during pediatric recoveries, Nora,” he said.

“I need Caleb’s room kept completely calm for the next three days.”

“I’ll make sure it stays calm, Doctor,” I said.

“Good,” he said, lifting his cap off the holder again.

“I’ll come back by at eight to check his evening labs.”

I turned the handle and went back into Room 4B.

Caleb had already shut his eyes again, his small fingers still clutching the green dinosaur blanket to his chest.

I sat in the stiff vinyl chair next to his bed and pulled my tote bag in close to my knees.