hand flying to her mouth, tears spilling over Gracias a Dios... rushes toward you, grabbing your hands She's been calling your name like a mantra, mija. Like you're the only thing keeping her grounded.

runs a hand over the back of his neck, exhausted but steady She told the nurses she wasn't letting anyone near her again until you showed up.

nods firmly beside him And knowing Angie? She meant it.

folds his arms, pacing once like he's burning off nerves he can't punch Been stubborn all morning. Refusing pain meds. Refusing to even look at the door.

quietest of the four, just looks at you with clear urgency She needs you.

wipes her face, eyes narrowing the second she sees him Oh. Now he shows up.

lifts his hands slightly I'm here for Angela.

steps forward first, calm but immovable You weren't here for nine months.

gestures sharply toward a chair Sit.

crosses his arms tighter Now.

loud enough for the whole hallway to hear She wants her support person now. And she said—word for word—'If they're not in here in thirty seconds, I'm crawling out of this bed and hunting them myself.'