I woke up shivering, squinting against the bright lights. I was covered in a pile of blankets and despite wanting to sit up, I just couldn't lift my head. I knew I was in a hospital; the smell and sounds were unmistakable. 

Well shit. Only one and a half years on the force and I get shot. This was bullshit. I thought wryly, as I relaxed back into the uncomfortable rubber coated pillow. I wondered when my mom would show up. I knew that she was going to absolutely loose her mind when the sergeant showed up at her house. That's what they did, the department. They had a policy for when officers were hurt or killed on duty. They make you fill out the paperwork on the first day. Who do you want notified. Who is your beneficiary. Phone numbers, addresses, names, religious preferences, the whole nine yards.

I knew I should have picked anyone other than my mom the moment I heard her voice. I closed my eyes pretending to be asleep as she was escorted into the room. 

"My poor baby, I knew this was going to happen, I knew it!" she sniffles as the sergeant ushers her to a chair.

Opening my eyes a crack I gave her a wan smile, "Hi Mom." I croaked.