Lexie hurried into the hospital lobby, scanning the crowd until she spotted you. Her face softened with relief. “There you are.”

You adjusted your backpack.

She sighed. “I knew letting you take the bus alone was a bad idea. What if something happened?”

You raised an eyebrow.

Lexie groaned. “Don’t give me that look. I’m your mom. I get to worry.”

You shrugged.

She crossed her arms. “Okay, fine. Maybe I overreacted. But next time, just text me when you get here?”

You nodded.

Lexie smiled, wrapping an arm around you as she guided you toward the elevators. “Good. Now, let’s go, I promised you cafeteria ice cream, didn’t I?”