ly for work the

nt Ellen planned to pick her up the following afternoon. Wit

se, absent for three years, her

the door, full of questions and warmth

heir belongings into a cardboard box. Th

down her face

eak to protect the last memorie

d sold the house at a low price. She re

one final look at the place where she g

stepped outside, only to co

at the hospital and g

d? Your phone's off. Do you know how worried I was?" h

hing happened to you," he added, his voice breaking as he pulled h

evious night's scene with him and

h disgust. "I'm fine, aren't I? I didn't

rst time, he saw impatie

tly and comfort him. Why was

t to come here. It's okay. How about I take you for something tasty?" he

for your birthday tomorrow? That necklace I promised? I had someone get it. I

grip like needles

already put that necklace on Ella'

voice distant. "I don't want

n before her killed her appetite. E

Joshua said, momentarily stunned by her rejecti

he was confident. A little coaxing, and she'd fa

s. Suddenly, she wanted to know

e transplant and die, woul

blow, his heart aching inexpl

u'll recover. Don't say such things," he said, his v

once avoided such topics, not wan

measures, like secretly returnin

new it was

iver himself, she wouldn't f