We were alive enough to be messy.

On the way home, Rachel said she wanted to return to nursing eventually, perhaps in a different role.

“I still believe in the work,” she said.

“Even after everything.” I squeezed her hand.

“Then we’ll find a way that respects what your body can manage,” I answered.

For once, neither of us tried to turn hope into a deadline.

PART 15

By autumn, the criminal case had moved toward resolution.