Chapter 6 - Clearing the Air
By sunrise, St. Matthew’s Hospital felt like a completely different place. The harsh fluorescent lights of the night shift gave way to golden morning rays streaming through the large glass windows at the end of the hallway.
Dr. Vance walked in with my discharge papers clipped to a bright blue board.
"Well, Mrs. Ellison, your morning blood work is pristine, and the baby's heart rate is textbook perfect," Dr. Vance announced cheerfully. "You're free to go home—though I strongly advise taking it very easy for the next few weeks."
"Thank you, Doctor," I said, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed.
Caleb was sitting in the vinyl chair beside the bed, holding a fresh paper cup of apple juice the nurse had brought him.
"So," I said, looking down at the boy. "What's the plan for you today, Caleb?"
Caleb shrugged, looking down at his sneakers. "I don't know. Back to my uncle's, I guess. Or maybe just hang out around the station."
"No," I said firmly. "You are not going back there."
I reached for my phone—which Officer Ramirez had safely returned—and dialed a familiar number. It rang twice before a warm, familiar voice answered on the other end.
"Mara? Honey, are you alright? I got a frantic call from the police department late last night—"
"Mom," I interrupted gently. "I'm fine. But I need a favor. A massive favor."
Ten minutes later, the situation was explained. My mother, a retired high school principal with a heart of gold and zero tolerance for nonsense, had agreed without a second hesitation.
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When I told Caleb that he was coming home with me—that my mother had a spare room waiting, a hot breakfast ready, and a proper school enrollment form to fill out—the tough, street-smart armor the boy wore completely melted.
For the first time since I met him, tears welled up in Caleb's eyes, and he didn't try to hide them. He simply wiped his nose with his sleeve and nodded.
