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Louise rose and took her hand "The doctor just talked to us He’s certain now that Evelyn had a stroke Her speech has been affected and there’s so He says she’s stable now, but it will be several days before they can really assess the extent of the dao around her for support and was grateful to lean into him "When can I see her?"

"We don’t know yet; we haven’t been able to get a straight answer on that," said Suzy

Jason moved Claire to a chair and lowered her into it "Let ht back"

Claire, Louise and Suzy all sat close together; hands clasped Suzy looked at Louise and then at Claire and said, "Claire, I’ve been trying to convince Louise to let me drop her at home for some rest She’s been here for hours, and I know she’s tired"

"No, you don’t worry about ets to see Evelyn and knows she’s ok," said Louise Claire knew by the stubborn set of herto talk to her was pointless

"Suz, thanks for calling and co Louise wasn’t alone"

"It’s no probleht start hanging out here in my spare tieon so I can get soht?" Claire and Louise both burst out laughing

Leave it to Suzy to find a way to lighten the mood Jason walked down the hall at that exact moment and raised a brow as he looked at thehter?" Still s Jason took the seat beside Claire and automatically linked his hand with hers A move noticed by both Louise and Suzy

"Nope, sorry, we can laugh at you later though if you don’t want to feel left out," said Suzy

Claire turned to hi?"

"Unless there’s a probleency in about an hour After she’s o back for no ht"

"Hey cool," said Suzy "That’s a good sign that they plan toto drink and maybe a bite for Ms Louise here?" Despite Louise’s protests, they all went to the cafeteria and bought coffee and sandwiches

Even though she was trying to put on a brave front, Claire was terrified inside Would her mother be able to recover with all the other health proble how she was feeling, Jason lifted a hand to rub along her back, soothing her tight muscles Suzy made an effort to keep everyone entertained as Claire kept a close check on her watch wanting to be back for her visit with her mother

Louise took the ti she could think of She seeive him her unofficial seal of approval by the time they were finished Jason rose a few moments later, and they e with the nurse’s station, Claire was given her ain that she could only visit for ten ement, Jason released her and escorted Suzy and Louise to the waiting room while she went down the hall to locate her mother’s room

~~~

Claire came to a stop and her hand flew to her mouth when she saw her mother She seemed to be covered ires and tubes She had a tube in her mouth and her arms and hands both had IVs taped into place There ires peeping fro beside of the bed, checking her pulse rate and recording her vitals

She walked slowly forward, trying to get her eave her a war up here My name is Glenda, and I’ll be your mother’s nurse so you will see hter?"

"Yes… Yes, I a? Should there be this s connected to her?"

"It’s pretty normal for a stroke victiradually removed from some of the monitors as she improves I know it looks really scary, but it’s normal at this point," assured Glenda

"Has she been awake recently?"

"Not since she’s beenand upsetting for someone who suffered a stroke to be faced with any speech or movement issues so soon afterwards The doctors want to ood idea of what they’re looking at before they risk the patient possibly doing further injury to themselves in a state of panic"

"Do they believe then that she’ll have pere as a result of the stroke?"

"Oh no, it’s really too soon to tell Your mother may have problems that resolve themselves over time Whatever point she’s at, it will ih so I’ to finish my rounds and let you have your visit Please ask for me at the nurse’s station if you have any problems, each ofcare of family" Claire was really touched by the sincerity she heard in Glenda’s voice, and she thanked her as she quietly closed the door on her way out

She tentatively walked to her ht her closer She gently touched her hand, careful of causing the IV to one through in your life was it too much to ask for some happiness? I’et you what you need You will get better, God, please don’t letdown her cheeks and brushed theently against her mother’s forehead and whispered "I love you" Claire knew her tensince over and that Louise would want to visit before visiting hours ended When she had co roo for her