Kelly arrived at the hospital a little past noon, after he reached her by calling her store’s phone. Jonathan’s nurse had changed by then, Janet introducing him to Greg at the end of her shift.

Jonathan had apologized profusely for wasting her time, but she had hugged him, and told him again that he could count on her for anything. Quietly, while the nurses were out of the room, she asked, “Are you okay, Jonathan?” and he had nodded. She pursed her lips, and said, ...