The question was unexpected but shouldn’t have been. “Uh, I hope so.” She didn’t want to expand on her situation, not yet, anyway, and Tina obviously hadn’t.

“You’ll be going to the county high school?”

“Yes, I hope so,” she repeated. She hadn’t given it much consideration, but regardless of which man turned out to be her dad, regardless of where she ended up, she planned to continue her education. Or rather, resume it.

Unlike her mom…

“Good.” Meg nodded. “My kids attended that school and so did Tina’s. And they all went on to live successful lives. Now, you’ve met my feline community. Do you have any questions for me?”

Carly took out her pages and pen and made notes as Meg gave her the cats’ feeding and care instructions.

Meg went through her treatment schedule. “My next chemo’s in four days at a cancer hospital in Missoula, and every two weeks after that. I’ll be away overnight on my chemo days, staying with my son or daughter. I’ll leave you their contact info.”

After the comment about staying with her family, Meg explained that she’d been a widow for six years. “We’re very close, my kids and I, especially since my husband died.”

Carly murmured her condolences.

“He died of cancer, too. Melanoma. I still have a hard time with losing him, and so do our kids.”

Again, Carly couldn’t prevent her tears.

Meg lurched to her feet and came toward her with Tina’s help; she knelt—a laborious process—and slid both arms around her and kissed her on one cheek, then the other. “Carly, I get some of what you’re going through. Your mom—and at such a young age for both of you. Anytime you want to talk, let me know.”

“I will! Thank you…”

Tina hugged Meg, too, her own eyes noticeably damp.

“Aren’t we a huggy group today?” Meg joked.

“Hey, that’s better than muggy,” Tina joked back. “We’ll see you soon, okay? And we’ll see Logan and Plum in a few days.”

MEG HANDED CARLY her house key, attached to a cat-shaped ring, before they left. “This is your copy. The fact that I’m giving you this tells you how much I trust you.”

“Your trust is not misplaced,” Tina said quietly. “I guarantee it.” Carly looked up at her gratefully.

“I’ll need your help when I’m away for treatments,” Meg continued, “and for a day or two once I’m back. Is that okay? Also, I’m willing to pay you…”

“No!” Carly insisted. “I want to do this.”