Annie sat back down, and she and Donna began an honest conversation about hospice and expectations. Then an aide appeared with a coffee and cranberry juice and a blueberry muffin, saying they’d noticed that Donna had not eaten her breakfast and thought she might be hungry now. After the aide left, Donna begged Annie to help her eat because everyone there was so nice, and she didn’t want them to think she was ungrateful.

They both had a few nibbles, then spent more than two hours keeping the conversation real, not holding back, or at least, Annie didn’t hold back. She couldn’t, of course, be sure if Donna did, but there was no need for that to matter. When her emotions had been drained, and Donna seemed tired, Annie said, “The Louis Vuitton is incredible.”

Happiness sparkled across Donna’s face. “You’ve seen it?”

“Kevin tackled the crate with a tire iron.”

Donna laughed. “That boy has been wanting to get in there since the day it came home. I’m afraid it doesn’t hold any buried treasure, but I didn’t want him to dig around and mess up what I’ve put in there. Besides, the trunk is worth a good deal of money, and a curious boy might have marred it somehow.”

“Yes, I heard it’s pretty valuable.”

“It’s priceless to me.” Donna closed her eyes then, and softly said, “Annie, when I’m gone, almost everything in there is yours. Except in the pocket inside the lid. There you’ll find my brother’s blue ribbon from the science fair. Oh, yes, and Kevin’s Red Sox memories; he’ll be surprised I have those. And there’s a photo album for him. But don’t tell him ahead of time, okay?”

Annie knew what Donna meant by “don’t tell him ahead of time”—there was no need to ask her to elaborate. Before Donna could make any further comment, the day became more surreal: Taylor walked into the room.

“I’m checking in on the patient,” Taylor said. “Not in any official capacity, of course.” Her hair was knotted up in a large bun at the nape of her neck. She was not as attractive as when her auburn tresses spilled over her face.

Annie explained to Donna that Taylor had been the first responder.

The three of them made small talk for a while, until it was clear to Annie that Donna was done talking. “I won’t come back later today,” Annie said as she stood up. “But Kevin will be here. And he’ll pick you up tomorrow, so I’ll see you at home.” Home, Annie thought. For as long as it would be for any of them. She kissed Donna’s forehead and told her to call her if she needed anything or wanted to talk more.

“I’ll be fine,” Donna said, her smile genuine.