“I’m calling the clinic tomorrow morning to schedule a full evaluation for you,” she said, pulling the door shut firmly before I could say another word.

The engine started with a loud hum, and her bright red taillights reflected off the wet gravel as she backed down the curved driveway toward the road.

I stood on the wet concrete, watching the red lights disappear beyond the tall stone entrance pillars.

Daniel was standing on the covered porch behind me, his hands resting easily in his trouser pockets, a faint smile on his face as he watched me standing alone in the cold.

I walked down the asphalt driveway to my sedan, drove to the gas station at the edge of town, and sat in the driver’s seat until sunrise.