“Harold calls anyone who refuses him trouble.

It’s how he excuses what he does next.”

PART 9

Tessa came home the following afternoon wearing an enormous pair of sunglasses that Dr.

Patel said might help with sensitivity to bright light.

We were given written care instructions, follow-up appointments, and a number to call if her symptoms changed.

The doctor emphasized that healing could be uneven and that no one should promise a particular result yet.

We took her to Lauren’s townhouse instead of ours.