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of something cold and sharp, and her struggling ceased, at least for a little while.
    Time went by, jumbled moments of consciousness and unconsciousness. Next, she heard voices. They seemed to come from far off, and she listened to them for what could have been hours before realizing that they belonged to her mother and Carol. She could make no sense of the words except to realize that they both sounded worried. She was about to doze off again, when someone shook her roughly. She moved to push the person away; she really didn't want to wake up yet. But she couldn't find her hand so she opened her eyes instead.
    Her mother was standing over her with bloodshot eyes. It looked as if her mother hadn't slept in a long time. Jean wondered where the hell she was.
    "Mama," she said softly.
    Her mother glanced at someone to the side.
    "Gracias a Dios, she's awake," she said.
    That someone came into view. It was Carol. She also looked exhausted. "How do you feel, Jean?"
    Carol asked, concerned.
    "Tired." She coughed weakly. "Thirsty. Where am I?"
    Her mother thrust her hand out and then held a glass of water to Jean's lips.
    "Sip this. You'll feel better."
    Jean did as she was told. She realized her lips were badly parched, bleeding even. The water went down cool and delicious. Her heart pounded at the back of her skull. Her head did not hurt so much as it felt as if it were being steadily squeezed by a clamp. She swallowed and gestured for her mother to take away the glass. Her vision went beyond them, to the hallway beyond the open door.
    She saw nurses walking back and forth. She was in a hospital, she thought.
    "What happened?" she asked.
    Her mother and Carol looked at each other as if deciding how much to tell her.
    "There was an accident," her mother finally said.
    "Lenny's bedroom balcony collapsed," Carol added.
    "You fell down the hill and hit your head and broke a few ribs," her mother continued. "But now that you're awake, you're going to be all right. But I have to say you gave us quite a scare for a couple of days there."
    "A couple of days?" Jean whispered. "What day is it?"
    "It's Monday morning," her mother said. "You've been unconscious this whole time." Her eyes dampened as she leaned over and hugged her daughter gently.
    Jean had to stifle a groan. Her right side was extraordinarily sensitive. She wondered if the few broken ribs really meant her whole side was caved in.
    Clearly, to be unconscious as long as she had been, she must have suffered a serious concussion. Her mother added, "My poor girl."
    Jean patted her mother's head. "Don't worry, Mama, I feel better than I probably look. I'll be out of here in no time. How're my brothers and sisters doing?"
    Her mother sat up and smiled. "Why, that's sweet of you to ask, since you're the one who needs special attention right now. They're fine. I'll call them and tell them you're awake." She stood. "In fact, I'll go tell the doctor. I think he'll want to examine you."
    Jean smiled. "Is he cute? Did he examine me while I was asleep?"
    Carol and her mother chuckled; they seemed so relieved. "He couldn't keep his hands off you," Carol said.
    Her mother stepped toward the door. "I'll be back in a few minutes. Try sipping a little more water, Jean. Carol, maybe you can help her."
    "Cierto, Mrs. Rodrigues," Carol said.
    "Mamd, " Jean said. "Has Lenny been by to see me?"
    Her mother hesitated at the door. Again she and Carol exchanged looks. "Yes,"
    her mother said. "He's been by."
    "Could you call him as well?" Jean said. "Tell him I'd like some flowers and chocolates and an immediate visit."
    Her mother lowered her head and nodded. "I will."
    She went to leave.
    "Mama," Jean said.
    Her mother paused once more. "Yes?"
    "Te amo," Jean said.
    Her mother had to take a breath. The words had caught her by surprise. Again her eyes dampened no, this time they spilled over and tears ran down her cheeks. "My," she said, touching her heart. "I haven't heard that in a long time.
    I love