Cautiously, Joanna and her father walked through the doorway, their eyes darting back and forth as they tried to absorb all they could see. Well lit by four chandeliers, the corridor was long and wide. Slender tables sat against the walls, and atop each were vases holding fresh flowers, many of which were varieties Joanna had never seen before. The hall runner wasn’t as ornate as the one on the stairs, but the blues, greens, and tans in the threads, while appearing slightly faded, still added color to the space.

The group came to a stop when Evelyn opened the first door on the right. “Joanna, this is your bedroom, and your father’s is the farthest down on the left.”

At the very least, Evelyn had expected Joanna to look inside, but seeing the woman grimace as she looked down the long hallway, Evelyn said, “I put you in here because there’s an en suite, plus a rather large wardrobe. Your father’s room is adjoined to the next, so the nursing staff will have a place to stay without hovering over him, but still be close enough in case they’re needed.”

“Oh,” Joanna said quietly.

Evelyn motioned down the hall. “Why don’t we go and take a look, and if you still think this is better for your father, we’ll switch?”

“Thanks. I’d appreciate that,” Joanna said as she turned to her father. “Can you make it, Dad?”

“I got a bit of my wind back in the lift. I’ll be fine. Lead the way, Miss Ward.”

“Call me, Evelyn, please.”

“Only if you call me Robert.”

“Consider it done, Robert,” Evelyn said with a smile. “Now, let’s go show you the room.”

***

A short time later, it was decided the bedroom at the far end of the hall was perfect for Robert Sheppard. The sleigh bed was higher than most, allowing for easy entry or exit by someone not in the best of health, and with a fireplace and a radiator, he would never get a chill. After her chat with Millie, Evelyn also knew Robert had developed a shuffling gait due to his partial paralysis. Preempting any trips or falls, she had the staff use the largest area rug in their possession to cover the cold wooden floor, and small tables and non-essentials were removed so the nurses could move about freely. Two upholstered chairs were arranged in the far corner for the comfort of visitors, and the bathroom, while old in fixture, had been updated with grab rails around the tub and toilet.

After making sure her father was safe and comfortable in his room, Joanna made her way back down the long corridor to her own. She had hardly given it a second glance when Evelyn had opened the door earlier, but as Joanna walked into her bedroom, she found herself enthralled.