The officer directed him toward the elevator before the exchange could continue.

I watched the doors close.

Then I returned to my wife.

PART 7 — The Papers Could Wait

Clara woke properly the following evening.

She had been awake in brief intervals, long enough to answer clinical questions or ask for me, but exhaustion and treatment had made it difficult for her to hold a conversation.

When her team judged that she could understand, they spoke to her about the loss with me beside her.

I did not have to deliver the news alone.