Chapter twenty-one

I'll be there in half an hour

The days in the hospital pass and Desiree is finally discharged. She walks around the hospital clutching a pillow in a black dress with puffy sleeves. Her face is beaming, she has a fixed smile on her face. Claudio accompanies her. She takes one of her hands and I follow close behind her, relieved in my heart to finally get my mother back home.

Before we get into the car waiting for us at the entrance to the medical clinic, my cell phone vibrates. Gene's message.

“Hello Aurora, beautiful as the morning. I'm going to your house to see Aunt Desiree. I heard she was released from the hospital."

How did she find out? I say out loud as soon as I sit down next to Mom.

— Know what? – Desiree looks at me questioningly.

— It's Geane – I sketched a dull smile – she says she's coming over to visit you.

— What wonderful news, – he exults.

— That's right, – I say and immediately shut up.

I don't find it so amazing because she disappeared for almost a month. No messag