The worn paper made a soft, rushing sound.

“You taught me how to play rummy when I could barely sit up,” I said.

“You beat me three times in a row that first night,” Rachel said.

She shuffled the deck one more time and set it down between us.

“Your deal, Lieutenant Morgan.”

I reached out and laid my hand on top of the deck.

The harsh chemical smell of the pediatric ward was completely gone, replaced by the faint scent of Rachel’s vanilla soap.

I looked across the small space between us.