The boy hovered in the doorway, clutching Max’s collar. Max didn’t move from his side, his eyes fixed on Janet as if awaiting the next command.

Within minutes, the sound of sirens grew louder. Paramedics rushed in, carrying equipment. Janet stepped back, keeping the boy in her line of sight.

The lead paramedic checked the woman quickly, then turned to Janet. “Diabetic coma. She’s lucky you got here when you did.”

As they worked, Janet knelt beside the boy. “They’re helping your mommy now. She’s going to be okay.”

His tear-streaked face lifted toward hers, uncertain. “Really?”