The project was a model of the solar system for science class.

Sadie had always loved astronomy.

Before she got sick, she’d painted tiny constellations on the ceiling above her bed.

She said the stars made everything feel bigger than whatever she was worrying about.

Ruth helped her find foam spheres in a craft-store bargain bin.

I cleared the kitchen table, and the three of us spent a Saturday afternoon arguing cheerfully about whether Saturn’s rings should be silver or pale gold.

Sadie was still tired easily.