WakinguptoGagein my bed is a new experience and one that I really like.Gage is still asleep beside me, one arm draped over my waist, his face relaxed in the rare peace that only comes with early morning stillness.I shift slightly, just enough to press a soft kiss to his shoulder, trying not to wake him.
My phone buzzes on the nightstand.I reach for it lazily, expecting a message from Gemma on wedding planning or maybe a spam call.But when I see the caller ID, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, my stomach drops.
"Hello?"
The voice on the other end is calm but professional."Is this Skye Lawrence?"
"Yes."My voice is tight.I already know something is wrong.
"We're calling about your mother, Meredith Lawrence.There was a significant change in her condition overnight.She's been admitted to the ICU.We need you to come as soon as you can."
I sit up in bed so fast the sheets fall away."Is she, will she…"
"She's stable for now, but the doctors are concerned.It's important that you come."
My heart is hammering."Okay.I'm on my way."
I hang up and toss the phone aside, already scrambling out of bed.
"Skye?"Gage's voice is rough from sleep, and his confusion is laced in every syllable."What's wrong?"
I yank on my jeans, trying to find a clean shirt."It's my mom.She's in the ICU.I need to go."
He's out of bed in an instant, grabbing his own clothes."Give me two minutes.I'm coming with you."
"You don't have to…"
"I'm not letting you do this alone, and you're in no condition to drive."
I open my mouth to argue, but the look in his eyes silences me.Instead, I just nod.
While I finish getting dressed, Gage moves with purpose, pulling on his clothes and grabbing his keys.Within minutes, we're in his car, the tension thick in the air as he drives, one hand reaching for mine, grounding me.
I don't even realize I'm crying until he squeezes my fingers.
"We'll get through this.I'm right here."
I nod, swallowing the knot in my throat as we speed toward the hospital, my heart breaking with every mile.
The ride to the hospital is a blur.Gage's hand never leaves mine.He doesn't say much, just keeps glancing at me like he's making sure I'm still breathing.
The hospital smells of antiseptic and old fear.The fluorescent lights overhead feel too bright, too harsh.Gage keeps his hand in mine as we navigate the halls, the click of my boots on the linoleum floor the only sound between us.
A nurse greets us outside the ICU and directs us to my mother's room.Her expression is gentle but guarded, like she knows what we're walking into.
When I step into the room, my heart lurches.My mom looks so small in the hospital bed.Her skin is pale, and her breathing is shallow.Machines beep steadily around her, but it's the silence that feels the loudest.I take a step forward, then another, until I'm beside her.
"Mom?"I whisper, stepping closer.
Her eyes flutter open.She gives me a faint smile."Hey, baby."
Sinking into the chair beside her, I take her frail hand in both of mine."I'm here.I'm right here."
She smiles weakly."You came fast."
"They said it was urgent.I couldn't...I had to come."
Her hand squeezes mine, faint but present."You always were my strong girl."