By the time we get in front of the lobby doors, Allie clings to me nearly gasping. Whether it’s from the walk or something else, I can’t tell. She lets go of me and sways towards the doorframe, her flip-flops scraping the concrete as she grabs hold of the handle. She looks back with a smile and gives me a friendly salute. “Well, goodnight.”

“Do you really think I won’t see you all the way to the door?”

I hold the lobby door open, towering over her. The smell of the ...