Twenty minutes earlier he had received a frantic call from his mother’s driver. Dorothy had stepped out of the car near Grant Park, disoriented and wandering without direction.
Patrick had driven through downtown searching every block until he found her. What he did not expect was to see a stranger kneeling beside her, giving instructions calmly while shielding her from the crowd.
The young nurse did not push the curious onlookers away harshly, and she did not look around for recognition. She simply worked, speaking softly and keeping her small daughter close.
Patrick considered rushing forward, but something stopped him. He wanted to see what kind of person helped without knowing who they were helping.
The wail of sirens cut through the morning traffic. Megan squeezed Dorothy’s hand as the ambulance pulled up beside them.
“They are here now,” she assured her. “You are going to be alright.”
Dorothy tightened her grip unexpectedly. “Thank you, my dear.”
Paramedics quickly took control, asking Megan detailed questions about the fall, the confusion, and the timing. She answered clearly and professionally, even as Harper continued to glance anxiously at her watch.