“Elaine, where’s Alice? Is she okay?” Ashton’s voice softened, almost pleading.

Hearing him call me “Elaine” hit something deep inside me. It had been ages since he’d used that nickname.

Just then, the exam room door opened, and Alice stepped out. I handed her the phone. “It’s for you.”

She looked surprised but took it, putting the phone to her ear. I stepped back to give her some space, but I could still catch bits of her conversation.

“…I get ...