Trying to concentrate on work, Emily was failing to keep her mind off Byron’s state of health. Even Katie’s carefree chatter could hardly distract her from the problem. She did her best to take care of the most urgent things and went home a little early.

The dogs greeted her with excited barks, while Sylvia waved lazily from the couch.

“Good, you’re just in time,” Sylvia said, “I ordered pizza.”

“Even though I didn’t want any,” Byron ...