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Corabelle nodded, her eyes watery fro

The doctor stepped away froain Nice to one, Mrs Rotheford sat next to Corabelle "Thank God you’re all right"

Corabelle took a couple deep breaths, then said, "I’ll be fine, Moood"

"I’m sure he has"

"Please don’t be mad at him"

Her mother hesitated "I won’t"

"Talk to Dad"

She pursed her red lips "He can be stubborn"

Corabelle glanced at the door "Where did he go?"

"Iobstinate"

Corabelle smiled "We should keep him on errands"

The nurse came in "I know you want these now" She held up a cup with two pills and another ater "Let’s get you up a bit"

Mrs Rotheford moved out of the way as the nurse helped Corabelle take the lanced at the clock "We’ll see how you’re doing tonight and ive you a little walk, see if we can take that catheter out"

Corabelle’s face flushed red, and I knew that was for me, not her mom Hell, I didn’t care what sort of tubes she had or where they went, as long as she was all right

The nurse hustled out, passing Mr Rotheford carrying the e bouquet, one that dwarfed the ones Jenny and I had brought I bitWhatever made hi the flowers on the table in front of the others

"Hi, Dad" Corabelle pushed her hair away from her face self-consciously She always did care how she looked around her father Her eyes darted nervously froo the pretend-the-jerk-isn’t-in-the-roo his back to me "I heard you went for an ill-advised swiht I’d take a little dip" She sucked in a breath like she ain, and I almost juripping the arms of the chair like I was about to be electrocuted I forced myself to relax I wouldn’t let Corabelle’s parents bully ht to be pissed off I’d beto call you, sweet pea," Mr Rotheford said "I guess you don’t have your phone any to save it"

"I’ll get you another" He settled on a stool, still with his back to uys want to stay at et a hotel close by," her mother said "Unless you need us to be there"