I needed to leave this house for good and stay at the hospital, maintaining isolation as the doctor had instructed. Before heading to the shower, I called the hospital and booked a room next to the one where Jimi and my little bunny would be during isolation. There weren’t many questions. What I paid ensured the silence of the entire hospital.

I turned on the shower and let the warm water cascade down my back as I leaned against the wall. I rested my forehead on the cool tile and took a deep ...