The lunch Helen prepared for Serena was light yet flavorful, a world apart from the bland hospital meals. But Serena had little appetite and felt full after just half a bowl.

After eating, she sat on the sofa, waiting for James, and eventually dozed off.

Half-asleep, she felt someone playing with her hair. The rough pad of a finger brushed across her brow, pushing aside the stray strands on her forehead. Then, the scent of fir slowly surrounded her. Someone was leaning ...