Jess arrived in Phoenix late in the morning, carrying an overnight bag over one shoulder and a smile that immediately told Lori she had been missed.
The moment Lori saw her pull into the driveway, she stepped outside.
"Jess!"
Jess barely had time to shut the car door before Lori was already walking toward her.
"Hi, Mom."
The two hugged tightly, both laughing a little.
"You made good time," Lori said.
"Yeah, I figured I'd beat the heat."
Lori smiled.
"Smart."
She stepped back, looking her daughter over.
"You look tired."
Jess rolled her eyes.
"I just drove several hours."
"Exactly. Which means you should've stopped somewhere and rested."
"Mom."
"What?"
Jess laughed.
"Nothing. I forgot I was talking to you."
Lori smiled proudly.
"Good."
She turned slightly, still talking as they headed toward the house.
"I made sure the guest room was ready. I changed the sheets, got extra blankets, and I bought your favorite snacks because I know you."
Jess smiled.
"You really don't have to do all that."
"I know."
Lori looked over.
"But I wanted to."
Jess opened her mouth to answer, but before she could—
"Mom—"
Lori looked back.
"What?"
Jess pointed.
The garden hose was stretched across the sidewalk.
Neither of them had noticed it.
"Oh."
Lori blinked.
"I forgot I left that out."
"Mom, wait—"
But it was too late.
Her foot caught the hose.
Everything happened quickly.
Lori stumbled forward, trying to catch herself, but her leg twisted awkwardly underneath her.
She hit the ground with a sharp gasp.
"Mom!"
Jess immediately dropped her bag and rushed over.
"Lori?"
"I'm okay."
Jess gave her a look.
"You literally just fell."
"I know."
Lori tried to laugh, but the pain on her face gave her away.
"Okay... maybe I'm not completely okay."
Jess carefully helped her sit up.
"Where does it hurt?"
"My leg."
