“Anyone with half a brain ignores birthdays,” Elaine said. “Look, Christmas is not just a time for people to be extra nice to each other, to make ourselves feel good by giving gifts. Christmas is to celebrate the fact that we don’t have to shoulder our own burdens alone, that a humble child can be our salvation. It’s a joyful thing, Bobbi, and what better way to show joy than to share it? I’m not doing such a good job giving you a reason to come down off this bridge, but here’s something I know. I’ve been awful. I need to learn kindness and generosity again. I’m learning it from people like you, Bobbi. The world needs you in it.”

“What, more thieves?” Bobbi’s voice broke.

“More people like you to show people like me what desperation really is. You were desperate, and I didn’t let myself see that.”

For the first time, Bobbi turned her head to look directly at Elaine. “That’s a little more like it. But it’s still about you.” She turned back to stare at the river. “This isn’t the life I wanted for myself. I need to be with people I love, with family. I need for my life to mean something more than a media opportunity. You didn’t give me anything, Elaine, except the chance to live a phony life. Today I finally woke up to that.”

“Fine, then let’s get you home for Christmas. Your mother wants to see you on Christmas, honey. She needs you. We can get you to the airport and on the next flight to Raleigh Durham. You’ll be home by Christmas morning.”

“All right,” said Bobbi softly, and a ripple of relief moved through Elaine.

“Perfect.” Elaine rummaged in her purse. “I’ll call my service. There’s someone on 24/7.” As she took out the phone, her key ring came with it. Her special key ring, the one with the silver skate. Before she could catch it, the trinket fell through the iron grating, disappearing into deep blackness.

She imagined the small splash as it hit the water. She shut her eyes briefly, telling herself it didn’t matter, it wasn’t a portent of bad luck. Then she speed-dialed her twenty-four-hour travel service and secured a seat on the next flight out. “You’re all set,” she said to Bobbi. “It’s time you headed for the airport.”

Bobbi stared down at the river, seemingly fascinated by the descent of the key ring. Finally in a tiny, pathetic voice, she said, “I’m scared.”

Somewhere behind her, Elaine heard traffic sounds. A car, coming from the other direction, she thought. She was terrified Bobbi would panic and fall.

Bobbi’s designer boots wobbled on the slippery narrow ledge of steel. How on earth would she ever turn around?

Elaine heard a car stop but didn’t dare turn to look.