Gabriel was waiting near the elevators.

He had taken unpaid leave from a project to help coordinate transportation during the first weeks of my recovery.

I kept thanking him.

He kept saying that ordinary help should not require a celebration.

On the drive back, I felt an overwhelming exhaustion that had nothing to do with sleep.

Lena suggested we stop for tea, but I asked to go home.

She adjusted the car’s air-conditioning and kept the music off.