There was another long silence, then Lu stood up. “Can we go inside?” she asked. “It's getting cold out.”

It was still warm, but Carrie said, “Sure.”

They walked into the house. Lu led the way into her bedroom—a choice that seemed odd until Carrie thought about it and realized that there was something safe about being in your own bedroom. Her grandmother needed to feel safe for what was coming next.

The bedroom itself was a remarkably spartan affair decorated in shades of white; the only colorful thing in it was a fussy rocking chair with faded pink padding. Lu closed the door and sat on her bed, collecting her thoughts. Finally she was ready.

“A few weeks ago, when you finally took Rose to the hospital, I wanted to see her,” Lu said. “I wasn't sure how you'd react if I asked you for permission—you didn't know me. So I went to the hospital one night after visiting hours. I thought I'd have a hard time getting in, but the guard at the front desk recognized me from the old days—he was a fan. He let me in and the nurses let me sit with Rose. She was asleep, so I figured I wasn't bothering her. Then she started to wake up and I headed for the door. But Rose asked me to stay. She thanked me for coming.” Lu took a deep breath. “I came back every night. Usually I just sat in the dark while she slept, and she seemed to like to know I was there. Then one night she started to talk. She told me what really happened the day Bobby died.” Lu paused. She was looking old and tired again. “Rose didn't leave the apartment right after Bobby walked out on her. She went into their bedroom first.”

Chapter 35 - New York City 1974