The train finally reached Portland. The city had just had heavy snow. Workers were cleaning the city with snow removal trucks and spreading salt in the middle of the roads, which were noisy and jammed. The melted snow and salt made the road dirty.

The temperature was -13 degrees Fahrenheit, and all of Kate's limbs were numb by the time she got to the hospital. She wasn't aware of the cold because her heart was eaten by her deep worry. Portland Mercy Hospital, 13th floor.

She ...