Pauline let out a breath that broke into a small sob of relief and Alexander reached for her hand instinctively.
Benjamin closed his eyes once and sighed. It was the only show of emotion he allowed.
Olivia wiped a "tear" that wasn't there.
Evelyn sagged in relief and her shoulders eased.
"When can we see her?" Alexander asked.
"In a few minutes," the doctor replied.
The family nodded.
And in that pause, just before they walked toward Margaret's room, Evelyn caught Alexander's eyes.
He wasn't crying but there was something raw there.
Evelyn slipped her hand into his. He didn't look away, he didn't hide it, he simply held on.
…..
[Hospital Room]
Margaret lay on the hospital bed, pale against the white sheets and the monitors beside her blinking steadily. For the first time in decades, she looked small and fragile.
Pauline sat at her bedside, clutching her mother's cold hand between both of hers.
