Katherine Thrones: “Her mother was what?” I had to ask again to confirm, in case I was hearing things. Katie’s attention pricked at that, she turned to face me with a concerned look on her face. She mouthed her words so as to not intercept the call as she asked me what was the problem. I ignored her in the meanwhile, I’ll definitely tell her after the call ends. “Please come here as fast as you can.” The nurse urged before she ended the call, and that was all the confirmation I needed. I knew I needed to start getting to the hospital with immediate urgency, but it felt like the news had slotted me into a temporary trance. I couldn’t feel strong in my legs anymore and I had to sit down and try to gather my mind that was scattered all over the place. I was transfixed. Puzzled. How