The doctor described a course of follow-up care and reminded her that physical healing could proceed unevenly.

Iris took a photograph for her medical record, then put her phone away.

She had avoided mirrors at first.

Not because she thought she looked ugly, but because she hated how the injury had become the first thing she saw.

She missed the casual feeling of brushing her teeth without thinking about Garrett.

She missed putting on a blouse without wondering whether the collar would irritate her neck.

One afternoon she met a counselor recommended by the hospital social worker.