Two hours later, James had finished his IV drip and looked much better-more alert, more himself.

The doctor recommended that he stay at the hospital for observation, but James wouldn't hear of it.

In the end, the doctor wrote him a prescription and told him to stick to light, easily digestible meals for the next few days.

While Briony was waiting at the pharmacy, her phone buzzed. Stewart was calling her.

Three calls came in a row. She didn't answer any of them.

Finally, Stewart sent a text.

**[Irwin misses you.]**

Staring at the message, Briony hesitated for a moment. Then she sighed and called back.

The line was picked up almost instantly, and Irwin's excited little voice piped up, "Mom!"

Briony's voice softened. "Irwin, have you been good?"

"I have! But Mom, you haven't called me in days!" Irwin complained. "You promised—even when you traveled for work, you'd always call or video chat with

me!"

just been really busy

Even when your work was crazy, you never forgot about me. Do you do you not love me

another lately, and Briony was barely keeping her head above water. But remembering the promises she'd made to Irwin, her heart softened

as much as ever. I just really haven't had a free moment

to the hospital every day to be with me. Mom, isn't your job as important as Dad's? How

her lips together, brow furrowing

knew Irwin was just a child and didn't understand, but his words still stung. He'd never spoken

studio, life had been chaos. She was running herself ragged and even fell ill a few times, so she

staying there, but he'd always promised her he'd be good, that he'd listen to his grandmother, and that she should rest

Irwin

came through again, impatient and a little hurt. "Are you

moment with a weary

cooking! I haven't had

back, I'll make you all your

to make a lot!" Irwin insisted. "I want your slow-cooked pork

"Deal."

are you coming

moment. "About

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