“Here,” Jennifer said, putting Eric in Justin’s arms. “He was crying.”

Justin looked at his mother, not sure if it was true. He looked at Eric who looked okay and wondered if his mother would say something like that to make him reconsider the operation. He took a deep breath and sat down with Eric on the bed. He didn’t know what to do anymore.

This was pretty harsh of Jennifer.  I can understand Justin`s reluctance - the fear of disappointment is really intense in these situations.  Then her throwing in Brian and the baby just seems really harsh.  Of course he wants to hear them.  But just thinking about it gives him the desire, then comes hope, then the intense fears that it just wont happen.

Author's Response: cruel to be kind, that's what they say. she wants her son to get better no matter what.