When I came in with the first box, she was sitting up in bed with her hands folded on the blanket.

The room smelled of new carpet and lemon polish.

Not a trace of hospital antiseptic.

“You brought the cedar hangers,” she said.

Her breathing was easier now.

Less like she was climbing stairs.

“I brought everything.” I hung her blue dress in the closet and smoothed the shoulders.

“The administrator said you can have your meals on the patio if the weather holds.