Jack sat in Ellie's rolling chair. He swung it back and forth while he waited. The dry hum of the computers and other electronics droned on, encouraging him to nod off. He didn't know how Ellie could work in here day after day and get anything done. He had to fight to stay awake.

Finally, Lexi pushed through the lab door from the locker room. She wore a yellow dress that stopped just above her knees. She was still just a little girl in his eyes, but she was starting to get ...