I needed to let Mary know I was in the hospital, or she'd freak out if she couldn't reach me.
The phone barely rang once before she picked up.
As soon as she heard my voice, Mary was furious. "Oh, so you remember who I am?"
I laughed and tried to soothe her, "There's only one person in the world who cares about me. I wouldn't dare forget."
"I'm coming to see you right now. Don't try to stop me, or I'll knock you out."
I smiled. "Fine, come over. And bring a charger while you're at it."
Before hanging up, I added, "Oh, and if anyone asks where I've been, just say I've been staying at your place."
"Why?"
I heard two voices, one from the phone and one right behind me.
Stunned, I turned around.
Easton stood behind me, his expression blank. Esther was on his arm, her face equally puzzled.
"Uh..."
I quickly hung up the phone, my mind racing to come up with an explanation.
The veins in Easton's temple bulged as he marched over and grabbed my arm, demanding, "What's going on with you?"
My post-dialysis body couldn't handle his grip. I tried to pull away but couldn't, so I winced and said, "It's just appendicitis. I had a minor surgery. You don't need to..."
"What are you doing? Let go of her!"