Monday, April 23rd

The sun was up when Patrick stopped at the hospital. Anthony stood in front of the entrance, a cigarette clamped between his lips and a year's worth of worry etched into his forehead.

Patrick drew up short and the two friends stared at one another. There was only one reason they'd both be there, and Patrick wasn't ready to talk about it.

As if he sensed it, Anthony said, "She's going to be all right." His voice was brittle; ...