“Oh, I believe that.”

We sat and talked about the things they had done to amuse themselves.

Chloe imitated Hannah’s fake stern voice.

She described how Hannah would call the blood-pressure cuff “the inflatable interrogator” and announce dramatic verdicts about the hospital pudding.

I laughed so hard I had to wipe my eyes.

Then Chloe looked down at her hands.

“I know today might be strange,” she said.

“It is,” I answered.