Before leaving, Rena murmured, “She's fresh out of delivery. Take it easy, Leonel."

His voice tight, Leonel replied, "Got it, mom."

After a pause, Rena chose silence, turning to Alexis to say, “I'll go have a word with your doctor. Then we're out."

Propped against pillows, Alexis nodded.

Once Rena exited, Leonel's gaze landed on Alexis. She didn't look great. The delivery had taken its toll and recovery might take a while.