When I walked back into Grandfather Moretti's hospital room, something changed immediately. His eyes, which had been dull and unfocused all day, suddenly became sharp and alert.

"Ava," he whispered, trying to sit up. "You came back."

"Of course I did." I pulled a chair close to his bed. "How are you feeling?"

"Better. Much better now that you're here." He reached for my hand with fingers that felt stronger than before. "The doctors say my heart rate stabilized the moment you walked ...