I reached for it. My fingertips touched the case.
A hand came from the side and snatched it.
“What do you think you’re doing?” June tucked the phone into her apron pocket, not even looking at me.
“Call—” I said. “—phone.”
“Call who?” She turned around, wiping her hands on her apron. “Your mother? She’s in New Jersey. That’s a three-hour flight. By the time she gets here, your fever’ll be gone.”
“Give it back.”
“No.” She laughed. “When you’re not burning up anymore, I’ll get on my knees and give it back to you.”
“I need a hospital.” I forced the words out one by one, my voice scraped raw.
“You go to the hospital, who’s watching Sophie?” She picked up the pot lid and put it back on. “I’m an old woman. I can’t keep up with your daughter.”
I reached for her apron pocket. She turned her shoulder into my chest. I stumbled back, and the back of my head hit the fridge door. Thud.
