Claire paced. She was so full of energy that most nights she would “make rounds” in the dorm, getting the lowdown on all the day’s events, before finally settling in with her books. Elissa, on the other hand, would sit right down to her studies, knowing she would fall asleep over them soon enough as it was. “Some excuse,” Claire joked.

“He might even be home by now,” Elissa said, stepping out of her uniform dress. Her slip would stay; she didn’t want to take the time to put on a fresh one. She was so anxious to get to the train, to get home. To think that JJ would be home again, after almost four years! Elissa’s mother had been nearly giddy with joy in her most recent letter, discussing the quick modifications that had been done to the house: Dad’s old office on the first floor made over into a bedroom, with an attached bath. JJ wouldn’t be able to negotiate stairs, and they wanted him to be comfortable.

“Hand over your duds,” Claire said, holding out her hand. “I’ll do them up for you while you’re gone.” She snatched Elissa’s dress and threw it in her closet with her own laundry.

“Thanks, Claire!” Elissa turned and fished her white blouse out of her closet. She would be wearing her national cadet nurse uniform tonight—it allowed a discounted rate on her train ticket. After many months of waiting for the uniforms to arrive, the cadets typically only wore them on special occasions, and when going out in the city or traveling. Elissa was always proud to wear it; but, for a brief moment, part of her wished she was putting on her comfortable pajamas instead. Her bed was neatly made, as always, but out of the corner of her eye it beckoned to her. Never mind that, though—she had a train to catch.

“You know,” Claire said, “Conrad said he’s working tomorrow and Friday, same shift as me.”

“Yes?” Elissa said, buttoning up her blouse. Conrad, the cadet nurses had decided, was the hospital’s best-looking intern. They liked his smoky gray eyes and the mysterious curve to his lips, his feathery blond hair, his shy brand of charm. And for some reason, he refused to be put off by the fact that Elissa was engaged. Not that he had tried anything untoward; he merely insisted to anyone who would listen that he was decidedly in love with Cadet Mickelson, and that he had no intention of giving his attentions to anyone else.

Claire picked up a tube of lipstick from her dresser and lifted her chin toward her mirror. “I thought I might have half a chance with him, since you’re going to be gone.”

Elissa laughed, and took her gray flannel uniform skirt from the closet. “Be my guest, if you want, Claire. I wish you luck.”

“What do you think?” Claire said.