Mary’s emotions came rushing back at the sight of Anthony. His eyes were troubled and his expression dark with concern.
“ANT, HOW YOU DOIN’?” Her father gave him a bear hug, and her mother waddled after, clucking.
“Ant’n’y, what’s a matta, you no love my Maria no more? You no happy no more?”
“Ma!” Mary’s head exploded. “Please!”
“It’s… not like that, Mrs. DiNunzio,” Anthony stammered, and Judy waved from the bed with a weak grin.
“Yoo hoo! I’m over here and I’m fine, thanks.”
“Hiya.” Anthony walked to the bedside. “So you’re alive. Way to go.”
“I know, right?” Judy smiled. “Nice of you to come.”
“It’s all over the news, did you see?” Anthony gestured at the TV in the corner, but it was off. “Anyway, how are you?”
“I’ve been better.”
“Does it hurt?”
“Not yet.”
“They said you were shot. When do you get out of the hospital?”
“I don’t know.”
“Is there anything I can do?”
“Not really. The troops are here, and Frank’s on the way.”
“Great.” Anthony shifted his feet, plainly uncomfortable. “Well, I guess I’d better go. On the news they said you were critical.”
“I am,” Judy said, and everybody laughed except for Mary’s mother, who couldn’t follow the conversation.
“Okay, well, see you all.” Anthony gave Judy a peck on the cheek, then turned awkwardly away. He went to the doorway and paused on the threshold. “Judy, hope you feel better soon.”
“I will, thanks.”
“Good-bye.” Anthony left, closing the door behind him. Everybody fell quiet a minute, and all the heads turned to Mary.
“They got a cardiac unit here?” she asked.