Back at the hospital, Eleanor didn’t rush to Maxine’s bedside. She stopped in the doorway, afraid of doing even that wrong. It was Carrie who took her hand and placed it gently over the blanket. “She needs you,” Carrie said softly.
Maxine’s laughter came back slowly.At first, it was just sound—soft, uncertain, like she was testing whether the world was safe enough to make noise again. Then it grew louder. Sharper. By the time spring settled in, she chased pigeons in the park and demanded snacks with the fierce confidence of a child who felt strong in her body again.