Not because it was complicated.
Because it was simple.
No one in my family had ever asked it plainly.
Did you feel safe?
Not, why are you upset?
Not, what did you do to make her mad?
Not, can you please let this go?
My eyes burned.
I stared at the nurse.
Then I shook my head.
No.
The charge nurse arrived less than a minute later.
She was older, with silver at her temples and a calm face that did not waste motion.
The first nurse spoke to her quietly near the door.
I caught pieces.
“Monitor disconnected.”
“Family member admitted.”
“Patient unable to advocate.”
“Does not feel safe.”
My mother stood fully now.
“This is ridiculous,” she said. “I’m her mother.”
The charge nurse looked at her.
“That does not give you permission to interfere with medical care.”
Tessa’s face flushed.
“I didn’t interfere with anything. It was beeping.”
