He doubled back, reaching down and picking up the first gift he had ever given her, then ran back to the ledge, where Johnson was still reaching down as the train shot out of the tunnel. Vronsky grabbed Johnson’s hand, but as Johnson pulled up to lift him out of harm’s way, Vronsky’s hand slipped from the man’s slobbery, rain-slick grasp.

“Anna!” was the last word from Vronsky’s lips, as he fell backward in front of the train.

XXIX

Dustin had stopped by the apartment to see Anna the day before she was leaving to go abroad for Vronsky’s funeral with Steven, Lolly, and her father. He hadn’t seen her since Vronsky’s tragic death a week ago at Grand Central, though he had been checking in with Steven daily to see how she was holding up. Dustin had wanted to offer his condolences in person, especially as Anna had been so kind to him after his brother’s death a few months previous. He found her in her room packing a large suitcase. When he entered, she gave him a rueful smile, and when he hugged her she started to cry.

“It’s good to see you, Dustin,” Anna said.

“Anna, I have to say it in person, and I’m sure you don’t want to talk about it, but I need you to know how very sorry I am for your loss,” Dustin said. “I know how much you loved him.”

“Thanks. I did, I do. I love him so much,” Anna said. “But please, I can’t talk about it. I just can’t. Let’s talk about something else. When is prom?”

Dustin shook his head. “We may not go. It just seems like such a silly thing in light of everything else.”

Anna interrupted him with a ferocity that took him aback. “No!” she cried. “If you and Kimmie don’t go, then you’re just perpetuating the cycle of misery. Please, be happy and dance together. Love needs a victory.”

Dustin didn’t know what to say. Anna’s words were so incredibly sad. Instead he nodded, took a deep breath and said, “We’ll go. You’re right. Love does need a win.”

“Good.” Anna sat down on the bed, suddenly tired from her outburst. “Please send me a picture. I’m sure Kimmie will be the prettiest girl there.”