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“Anyti it on the bed “Get some rest”

Morgan ain, h the blinds She threw an arh her arm “Ow”

She sat up She was still wearing her slacks froht before But someone had removed her bloody blouse and replaced it with a soft flannel button-up Her feet were bare, a blanket drawn over her She eased her shoulders higher on the pillow Her mouth was desert dry

“Hey, how do you feel?” Gianna stood in the doorway

“Like I ate chalk”

“Want some water?”

“Yes” Morgan shook her head “And coffee”

“Lance left a few pain pills for you if you need them”

“I’ll stick with over-the-counter if possible Clearly, I have no tolerance for anything stronger” Morgan swung her legs over the side of the bed

“Take it slowly, OK?” Gianna suggested

“I will” Morgan eased to her feet The room remained stationary She walked to the bathrooht was overrated and went back to bed Her head ached

Gianna brought her water and coffee

“It’s like I have the worst hangover ever”

“The coffee should help” Gianna handed it over “I guess there’s no worry about you becoh”

Morgan drank The coffee went down her throat like liquid gold “Where are the girls?”

“School” Gianna said “The bus cao”

“Where’s Sophie?”

“Your grandfather has her outside with Snoozer He didn’t want her to wake you”

The caffeine cleared the cobwebs in Morgan’s head “Wait It’s Wednesday You have to get to dialysis”

“Will you be all right by yourself? If not, I’ll call a cab and your grandfather can stay with you”

Morgan drained her“I’m fine now that I’m caffeinated Seriously, I have a cut on my arm That’s it”

“You were pretty out of it last night” Gianna hesitated at the door

“The drugs are out of ot out of bed Her head felt like someone had just bowled a strike in it, but she faked a smile as Gianna left her bedrooht back in bed

“Mommy!” Sophie ran at her

“Sophie!” Grandpa called “Remember Mommy’s arm”

Sophie slid to a stop, her sneakers squeaking on the wood floor of the hall

“It’s OK You can hug h

Sophie gave her a gentle hug and a kiss on the cheek before spinning around and rushing back to the door “Grandpa is taking me to school” She hefted her Hello Kitty backpack onto her shoulders Taking Grandpa’s hand, she tugged “Come on I’ll be late”

“Are you sure you’re all right?” Grandpa’s eyes orried

“I’et another cup of coffee”