Marcia and Marco spent the remainder of the day with me at the hospital. I was grateful for their company as I anxiously awaited my release and Luke’s return.

My fingers had taken most of the punishment from the fire and received third-degree burns. The palms of my hands, while sore and badly blistered, were only second-degree burns. The doctors had hoped to release me that day after a few rounds of antibiotics.

“I remember Luke asking for your phone number. But ...