Evelyn didn’t flinch.

She wore a knit cap today, pulled low over her ears to cover her bare scalp.

The specialist walked in holding a tablet.

He wore a crisp white coat over a blue shirt and reviewed her routine bloodwork.

“Your white blood cell count is holding steady,” the doctor said.

Evelyn gave a tight, polite smile.

“The new treatment protocol is working, Mrs.

Abernathy,” the doctor said.