Tears were still streaming down Maya’s cheeks when she suddenly blurted out, “Risotto… starving… grab me risotto.”

“On it,” I replied quickly. Then, trying to keep the mood light, I added, “Want some meat, too?”

She used to love meat, even though she'd always complain about dieting right after.

“Meat helps you heal, doesn’t it? Why not?” she said with a faint grin. For a second, it felt like the old Maya was still in there. ...