“I like having a clear system to follow,” I said.

Rachel smiled and gathered the cards into a neat pile.

She left the deck on the corner of my table near the water pitcher.

“Get some rest tonight,” Rachel said.

Her rubber-soled shoes squeaked softly on the polished linoleum as she walked out.

I woke up suddenly just after ten o’clock.

The pediatric ward was mostly dark and perfectly silent.

The heavy wooden door to my room stood open a few inches.