Some mornings the loss felt as new as it had on the day of the honor walk.

Other days I found myself laughing at something ordinary and feeling grateful I could.

The letters from Chloe continued.

She talked about school projects, missed classes, medications, and the strange experience of having people call her brave when she felt mostly tired.

She sometimes asked about Hannah’s favorite books.

I answered honestly, including the embarrassing ones.

Our families had never needed to decide exactly what name to give our connection.

We were linked first by two girls who had become friends while sick, then by the kindness of keeping that friendship alive.