Returning with a small white paper cup and some medication and a cup of water, she said, “Take this. You’ll be feeling much better in about fifteen minutes.”

“Have you seen my wife?”

“Oh yes, she and Layla have been entertaining the entire clinic. Everybody just loves Layla! I’ll go get her. She’s out in the waiting area. I’ll tell her you’re awake now.”

“Okay, thanks,” I said.

In just a few moments Maggie, carrying Layla, entered the room.

“Well, hello, sleepyhead!” Maggie said.

Layla said, “Dada,” as they came and sat on the side of the bed.

Maggie helped me sit up and handed me Layla and said, “Layla, give your daddy a hug. Everybody is calling you a hero, you know!”

“For heaven’s sake, why?” I asked.

“Because you saved Sam’s life, sweetheart!”

“No, I just did what anyone would do!”

Layla was trying to play pat-a-cake with my face, which honestly didn’t feel all that great, when Maggie said to Layla, “Okay, that’s enough, Layla. Come sit with mommy!”

“How’d it go with Strider?” I asked.