Not of me, really. Just…shes aware that Im going to die soon, so shes treating me like Im made of porcelain. Have you gone in deep on what exactly is wrong with me?

Not too deep, Rachel said. And for a moment, she felt as if someone were tearing her heart out. it was almost like she and her grandmother were talking in code about her own condition. Weve talked about what cancer is and how aggressive it can be, but thats about it.

Do you think it might help her a bit if she hears some of it from me?

I dont know. But youre more than welcome to try having that conversation with her tomorrow. Secretly, though, it was the last thing Rachel wanted. She knew it was foolish, but she couldnt help but think that the more Paige knew about Grandma Tates condition, the more likely she was going to be able to see right through her deceptions. How about you? she added. Are you doing okay?

I am. Honestly, the worst part of it seems to be psychological. I feel like Im supposed to be more upset that I was dealt this hand. But right now, I just dont care. Im sure that will change as my health worsens, though. She shrugged and looked to the hallway behind Rachel. Go on and get some sleep. Ill be up for another hour or so yet.

Oh, well then I can keep you company.

She shook her head and smiled. No. I love you, dear, but you look like death walking.

Rachel knew it was just euphemism for you look tired but it stung, nonetheless. It felt like Grandma Tate knew something, as if their cancers had telepathically linked them and Grandma Tate just knew. The feeling slid away, though, and Rachel retired to bed. As she brushed her teeth in the guest bathroom, she looked into the mirror and that comment rang over and over in her head.

You look like death walking.

The alarming thing was that with the recent events with Peter and Alex Lynchs morbid gift, she was starting to feel like it, too.

***

Rachel woke up to the sounds of Paige giggling and the soft murmur of Grandma Tates voice. She could also hear the faint hiss of water running in the kitchen sink, and a beeping noise she thought might be the microwave. With no bedside table in the guest bedroom, Rachel grabbed her phone and saw that she had somehow managed to sleep until 8:00 a.m. Apparently, her daughter and grandmother were making breakfast.

She got dressed and ran through her morning routinealways an odd feeling in someone elses bathroom, even if it was a family members house. She hurried out to the kitchen, lured in by the smell of frying bacon, cheesy eggs, and coffee.

Hey, its Mommy! Paige said. She was standing on a little footstool, helping Grandma Tate scramble a pan of eggs. Hey, Sleepyhead!