Chapter 124

Mitchell responded to the antibiotics quickly and was out of intensive care by Sunday. His face was still swollen, but he had complete vision in his right eye and his left eye was beginning to open. His pneumonia was improving rapidly. The cracked ribs were extremely tender, making any extension of his arms or sudden movement painful.

Melissa was not surprised that Christine insisted that Mitchell stay with them again. Christine and Hailey spent Saturday switching rooms. Christine intended to stay with Mitchell and neither Dan nor Melissa voiced an objection. After school on the following Wednesday, Christine and Ashley drove to the hospital to pick up Mitchell. Once again, Mitchell was wheeled down the hall with staff wishing him well and joking that he tries to stay away a little longer this time.

Mitchell's arrival at the Leonard home was a festive occasion. Christine's grandparents, along with Maddie, Willow were waiting for him in the living room when Dan and Melissa once again