Not long after Joe left, Claire's mom arrived. Claire had stepped out for a moment to grab some fresh air, so Anthony was alone when she came in. Claire's mom, Mrs. Thompson, carried a small bag of fruit and smiled warmly at Anthony as she entered.
"Anthony," she greeted him softly. "How are you feeling?"
Anthony forced a smile. "I'm better, thank you."
Mrs. Thompson placed the fruit on the table beside his bed and sat down, looking at him with the same concerned eyes Claire had. "I brought you some fruit. I thought it might help."
"Thank you, that's kind of you," Anthony replied, though he wasn't feeling much like eating.
She smiled, but it was clear she had something else on her mind. After a brief silence, she spoke again, her tone gentle but probing. "Anthony, you really should take it easy. I know you're always so busy with work, but nothing is more important than your health. You can't keep going like this."
