Instead we laughed, because nothing important depended on perfect pancakes.

In the afternoon, Dr.

Kenneth called to wish Rachel well.

He asked about her progress and reminded her to keep her follow-up appointments.

Then, after a pause, he said he had thought of her family often.

Rachel thanked him.

“I hope the review changes some procedures,” she told him.

“That’s the part I want to last.” He said the hospital and county agencies were already implementing independent checks and more rigorous documentation of uncertain cases.