5
The wedding was still weeks away, but flu
season was hitting hard.
First, my sister caught it.
Then Riley and I got it after spending too
much time with her.
Riley’s fever kept spiking, and meds weren’t
helping. So I rushed her back to the hospital.
And guess who I ran into? Ethan, with
Bethany and Savannah.
Ethan was cradling a sickly Savannah. Looks
like she was feeling just as rotten as Riley.
Bethany was the first to speak.
“Riley, is your daughter alright?”
“Yeah, thanks for asking,” I replied flatly.
“This flu is a real pain. Savannah’s been
coughing nonstop. Luckily, Ethan’s been
taking good care of her. A sick kid is no joke,
so you better keep a close eye on your own.”
I couldn’t help but cough lightly.
The truth was, I felt like death warmed over.
But I was trying to hold it together for Riley.
Ethan took a step forward, cradling Savannah
protectively.
L
“Is… is Riley okay?”
The move clearly irritated Bethany, but she
forced a playful tone.
“We’re moms, Riley. We can handle anything
for our kids. Don’t worry about us.”
“Mommy, I feel so bad,” Savannah whined.
“Ethan, Savannah’s not wearing a mask. The
hospital is crowded, and she could get even
sicker. Let’s not bother Riley. Her little girl is
the one who is sick,” Bethany said, her voice
dripping with insincerity.
I knew what she was getting at, but for Riley’s
sake, I wasn’t going to argue.
Ethan frowned. I turned to leave, and I heard
<
him call my name.
“Riley.”
I turned back. Ethan handed Savannah over to
Bethany.
He walked up to me, his face creased with
worry.
“What’s up, Ethan?”
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“You don’t look so good either. It’s not easy
raising a kid alone. If you need help…”
I cut him off.
“I’m good, Ethan. I’ll ask a doctor or nurse if I
need anything. Thanks for the thought.”
Ethan hesitated, then reluctantly followed us anyway, his expression a mixture of concern and guilt.
He was about to take Riley from my arms
when Bethany started consoling Savannah, who was crying loudly.
“Honey, I know you don’t feel well. But
Daddy’s going to take another kid to the
doctor. Don’t worry, he’ll be back soon.
Mommy’s here.”
Ethan glanced back at Riley.
“Go take care of Savannah,” I said, my voice
hard. “I don’t need your help.”
Savannah’s cries grew louder.
<
“If you need me, just call,” Ethan said, before
rushing back to Bethany.
Bethany looped her arm through Ethan’s,
pulling him away.
I sat with Riley as she got her IV. She seemed
a little better, but I was starting to feel like I
was falling apart.
I had a killer headache.
Riley took a bottle of warm water from the
bag and pressed it to my forehead.
“I know you don’t feel good either, Mommy. When I’m done, I’m gonna help you see a
doctor.”
I forced a smile, trying not to worry her.
<
“You’re so sweet. You’re growing up so fast.”
Riley looked at a family sitting near us and suddenly said,
“I wish I had a dad like her, then you wouldn’t
have to do this all alone.”
I hugged her tight.
“Don’t worry, honey. I’m not alone.”
