“I don’t care. I have no need of a hospital or you. Please leave.” I was wide awake now, and the thought of this man examining me while I slept was revolting, although I believe Sarah acted in a manner consistent with her beliefs.

“Young lady—”

“Angelina.”

“Angelina, you have been in a coma for the past—at least twelve hours—”

“Asleep.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Asleep. I was asleep.”

“Angelina. I’m a doctor. I know the difference.”

“Then come back tomorrow. I sleep every day, all day, just like that.”

He was silent. We looked into each other’s eyes for a long moment. Then there was the briefest flicker of—something that caused him to jerk. There was some base recognition that passed between our souls, and he reached down to his black case, closed it, snapped the brass catch, and stood. He looked down at me for a moment, then turned and left the room. He and Sarah spoke briefly in her kitchen, then the door closed and a car started.

At last. Sarah and I were alone. And the night was young.

She brought hot tea to me, and a plate of fresh fruit and crackers. I drank the tea straightaway and she left to refill the mug while I smelled an apple slice and a berry. They were unappetizing.

“The doctor said you were uncooperative and there was nothing more he could do.”

“There isn’t,” I said as I sipped the second cup.

“What do you expect me to do?”

“I’m not sure. I need to learn your ways. I need to become healthy, in mind and body, and I know you can help me do that.”

“Oh, Angelina,” she said, and set down her mug of tea. “I can’t even help myself these days. I don’t have anything left to give.”

As my senses came into focus, I could see that Sarah had gained weight. Her hair was lusterless and dirty, a pasty pallor had replaced the fresh-faced glow of her complexion. Little wiry gray hairs ringed her hairline and a network of lines surrounded her eyes. “What is it, Sarah? What has happened?”

“A lot. Too much.” She looked at her hands and began to pick at her fingernails.

“Tell me.”