ZACH’S POV

She pouted at me, tears welling in her eyes. I panicked.

“But the doctors need to take care of you here so you can get better and be strong," I continued in a rush.

She shook her head, the tears spilling over. "I don't care! I want to go home!" she cried, her voice rising in pitch. She began to thrash around, and I worried she might pull out one of her IV lines or hurt herself.

"Okay, okay, Joan, calm down," I said, reaching out to steady her. "Please, don't hurt yourself. I'll go talk to the doctor, alright? I'll see what we can do."

Joan's crying...