By mid-afternoon, Isabelle found herself walking back through the gates, though she hardly knew what for. Perhaps it was because she suddenly recalled that she had to cook Ryan’s meal and that even if her world was ending, her son still needed her. But before she even stepped into the house, sounds of laughter floated into her ears.

It was Ryan’s laughter.

Isabelle’s steps faltered. For a moment she stood there, her fingers tight against the handle of the door. The doctor had ...