Thomas knows that Jordyn is thinking about her own mom and dad. People who for some unearthly reason decided that fighting for custody of their daughter was too much effort. Not that Thomas was complaining. The farther away Jordyn’s dad and mom stayed, the better, but he knew their absence hurt Jordyn beyond words.

“What if Cora’s mom and dad are mad at me?” Jordyn asks as the elevator settles on the third floor.

“Now, why would they be mad at you?” Thomas asks lightly. “You were gone well before anything happened. They can’t fault you for that.” The doors open and Thomas slides his arm around his granddaughter’s shoulders. “Come on now, let’s go see your friend.”

No matter how cheery the wall paint or the whimsical artwork that lines the corridors, the smell of hospitals hasn’t changed much in thirty years, Thomas thinks. At least the newness of the children’s hospital overpowers the antiseptic odor that makes Thomas woozy with memories.

When they reach Room 317 Thomas knocks on the door. After a moment Mara opens the door, steps out into the hallway and gently closes the door behind her. “Hi,” she says. “It’s so nice of you to come.” She smiles but her eyes are wary. “Cora’s nervous about people seeing her this way, Jordyn. She…she doesn’t look like herself.”

Thomas places his hands on Jordyn’s shoulders. “She understands, don’t you?” Jordyn nods solemnly. “Do you want me to come in with you, Jordy?” Thomas asks, using Tess’s pet name for her.

Jordyn nods and together they move through the doorway and Thomas blinks, trying to acclimate to the dim room. A small shape comes into focus and for a moment he is transported back in time. Of course, Betsy was so much younger than Cora, but still. Seeing the heavily bandaged girl nearly swallowed up beneath a pink fleece tie blanket covered in rainbows is jarring but he smiles widely in hopes of concealing his shock. “Cora, how are you?” he asks.

“I’m okay,” comes a small, hoarse voice. “Hi, Jordyn.”

Thomas listens carefully. If there is any fear or anger in Cora’s voice, he can’t find it.

Jordyn’s eyes widen at the sight of Cora’s shaved skull and bandages. She seems to be holding her breath. Thomas gives her a quick poke. “Hi,” she finally exhales.

Silence fills the room but Thomas resists the urge to speak and just watches. Though her face is heavily swathed in gauze, Cora doesn’t appear fearful of or angry with Jordyn. It’s Mara who is looking at Jordyn with suspicion, maybe even disdain.