The following autumn Marian came back for another stretch of treatment appointments.

This time she packed her own bag without looking uncertain about where she would sleep.

The guest room was ready before she arrived.

Fresh sheets lay on the bed.

Her favorite blue cup stood on the side table, carefully wrapped during transport so its chipped handle would not break.

There was a sturdy chair by the window, a clear path to the bathroom, and the little notebook resting beside a pen.

Lucas carried her bag inside and asked where she wanted it placed.