"Mom, relax—just some scrapes" Zachary gave a playful smirk. "Actually, I'm only here cause my butt's too sore for the couch at home."

Judith stood by the bed, her face a storm of anger.

Since walking in, she hadn't spared me a single glance, her eyes locked entirely on her son. Zachary met her stare without flinching, completely unfazed.

"Ms. Wilson, would you mind giving us a moment?" she asked, her voice cold.

I started to get up, but ...