The nurse checked her vital signs, arranged the evaluation recommended by her oncology team, and reminded her to report changes in how she felt instead of minimizing them.

There was no dramatic medical crisis, but dehydration and exhaustion meant she needed closer attention and a practical recovery plan.

While we waited, Marian told me things she had hidden during my trip.

Lucas had moved her downstairs on the first evening.

He had told her the ground-floor bedroom was needed for Derek’s entertainment setup, although Derek did not sleep there.

The air mattress had slowly deflated during the night.