Linda followed her out of the cafeteria without looking back.

I sat alone at the table, waiting for the orderly to wheel me back up to the pediatric ward.

At two o’clock, the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the floor of Room 314.

I sat up in bed, gripping the edge of the gray thermal blanket.

Richard stood by the door, holding his phone.

Linda stood next to him, smoothing the side of her skirt.

Dr.