(The following is a fictitious story based on a real-life incident.)

Nurse Koszin spotted a young mother at the coffee machine in the far corner of the cafeteria. This late at night the serving line was closed, the tables and chairs were neatly arranged – and empty. By the overhead spotlight, she could see the dark circles and smeared mascara of a parent in pain.

“Mrs. Thompson? Mrs. Thompson. There you are,” she said lightly.

“Yes?!” The mother’s voice echoed through the empty room. “Is anything wrong?”

“No, no.” She tried to be as reassuring as possible. “Janie is actually improving. The doctor wants to talk with you. He’s ready to remove the breathing tube and needs to talk to you about the procedure so that you know what to expect.”