Instead I finished my tea, helped wash the dishes, and left when we had agreed I would leave.

At the door she hugged me.

It lasted one breath longer than it needed to.

That was enough.

PART 22

A year after the flight, the three of us returned to Chicago together for a science festival.

Willa was almost six, tall enough to reach some of the switches in the exhibits without asking for help.

She still carried Captain Buttons, though now he wore a tiny knitted scarf Elena had made.