Overview

Hallie rushes to Minnesota after learning her father was hospitalized with a fever, bracing for a possible cancer relapse. After hours of anxious waiting with her brother Luke and his wife Sarah, the oncologist reports no signs of relapse and plans an overnight stay for dehydration. Rio unexpectedly arrives from Boston, having skipped his game for a “family emergency,” and quietly supports Hallie as she finally lets herself cry. Hallie brings him into her world, thanks him, and goes to see her father.

Full Summary

Hallie narrates her tense wait at the hospital after Luke called to say their father, in second remission from blood cancer, was admitted with a fever. She reflects on years of caretaking, how hope has burned her before, and prepares herself for bad news while envying Luke’s support system in his wife, Sarah. To distract herself, Hallie flips the TV to a sports channel and hears that Rio DeLuca is a healthy scratch for the Chicago Raptors’ game in Boston, which surprises her.

Dr. Young, their father’s oncologist, arrives with results. Hallie braces for relapse confirmation, but Dr. Young reports the tests look good, with no relapse indicated; their father is dehydrated and will be kept overnight for fluids and observation. Luke and Sarah share visible relief. Hallie stays composed, asks follow-up questions, and thanks the doctor, still holding her emotions in check.

Moments later, Rio appears at the waiting room door, wearing a beanie and visibly concerned. Hallie freezes as Rio crosses the room and embraces her, asking if she is okay and what she needs. He explains Wren called him, he reported a family emergency, and his agent flew him out from Boston. Rio stresses the game doesn’t matter compared to Hallie.

Hallie leads Rio into the hallway for privacy. She tells him everything is okay medically, apologizing that he came for “nothing,” but Rio notes that Hallie herself is not okay. As she admits she is not, Hallie unexpectedly begins to cry—something she says she rarely allows herself to do. Rio holds her, rubs her back, and tells her it is okay to be tired and scared, giving her permission to feel what she has been suppressing for six years.

Hallie confesses she has never had anyone there for her during these moments; Rio replies she should have had him. Luke interrupts to say their father wants to see her. Rio gently wipes Hallie’s tears, tells her he is staying, and accepts not knowing all the details. Hallie kisses him and thanks him for being there before going in to see her dad.

Who Appears

• Hallie — narrator; rushes to the hospital, manages logistics and emotions, breaks down with Rio’s support, then goes to see her father.
• Rio DeLuca — Hallie’s former love and current romantic interest; flies from Boston, skips his game citing a family emergency, comforts Hallie and commits to staying.
• Luke — Hallie’s brother; brings their father to the ER, waits with Hallie, receives good news, and supports Hallie and Sarah.
• Sarah — Luke’s wife; present in the waiting room, steady support for Luke, fetches coffee, shares relief.
• Dr. Young — father’s oncologist; delivers results showing no relapse and orders overnight fluids.
• Hallie and Luke’s father — patient; hospitalized with fever, found dehydrated but not relapsing, asks to see Hallie.
• Wren — Hallie’s roommate; off-page, contacts Rio and shares Hallie’s location.