Chapter 4

On the weekend, I took Yvonne to the nursing home.

Jonathan was already waiting for us at the entrance.

We went in together, and Natalie was so happy to see us.

She squeezed Yvonne's hand and tucked a small gift into her palm. Then she drew me into a hug, her voice full of concern as she asked how I'd been holding up.

The whole room was filled with warmth and joy.

But then, a soft, girlish voice interrupted us. It was Irene Nelson, saying, "Happy birthday, Natalie."

We all turned to look at the young woman at the door.…