18

“Her heart rate and blood pressure are normal,” Dr. Fursac was telling Nico, Caroline, and Alexis. “We’ve extubated her. Her Glascow reading is fifteen over fifteen, meaning she has good eye, verbal, motor responses. And there are no signs of infection. All in all, she’s presenting well. But we’ve noted some erratic heart rhythms on the EKG, so we’ll need to pay attention to that. Your mother will be transferred to a step-down unit tomorrow morning.”

Caroline and Alexis agreed that this was good news. Her heart was still a concern, but they had to savor every victory and thank the heavens that Anya was alive.

Dr. Fursac led them to Anya’s bed. Nico and Caroline stood on one side. Tanya and Alexis stood on the other.

“My children,” Anya said in a shaky voice after looking them over.

She didn’t have to say anything else.