Charlie didn’t move, waiting to be sure. Footsteps came to the doorway of the bedroom, then the voice again: “Charlie?”

“Marla!” Charlie answered. “I’m here.” She started to get up, but her legs would not take her weight. “I can’t—” she started, tears of frustration pricking her eyes as Marla hurried over.

“It’s okay,” Marla said hurriedly. “It’s okay, I’ll help. It’s amazing you made it this far!” Charlie looked at her flatly, and Marla laughed. “I’m sorry,” she said. “It’s just—glaring at me like that you’re so …”

“What?”

“Charlie.”

“Who else am I supposed to be?” Charlie smiled as Marla took hold of her wrist with medical authority and began to silently count. She looked past Marla to Carlton, who came over quickly. John was standing in the door, but he made no move to join them, not meeting Charlie’s eyes.

“I didn’t want to crowd you,” Carlton said, sitting down beside her and crossing his legs. “Charlie, I’m—” He broke off and swallowed, looking away. “I’m really glad to see you,” he said to the floor.

“I’m glad to see you, too,” Charlie said. She looked back to Marla, who nodded briskly.

“Your pulse is a little slow,” she said. “I want to check it again in a few minutes. I want you to drink some water.” Charlie nodded.

“Okay,” she said bemusedly.

“Let’s get her onto the bed,” Marla said to Carlton, who nodded and, before Charlie could protest, scooped her up into his arms. Charlie glanced around for John, but he had disappeared.

Marla pulled the blankets back. Charlie felt the pull of sleep, like something standing behind her, gently tugging. She blinked rapidly, trying to rouse herself as Carlton set her down. Marla started to pull the blankets over her, and Charlie waved her hands, ineffectually trying to push them away.

“I’m too hot,” she said, and Marla stopped.

“Okay,” she said. “They’re here if you need them.” Charlie nodded. The tugging was growing stronger: if she just closed her eyes, she would slip back into the dark. Marla and Carlton were talking to each other, but it was getting harder to keep track of what they were saying.

A loud bang rattled the small apartment, and Charlie jolted awake, her heart thudding alarmingly. Almost instantly, Marla’s hand was on her shoulder. “It’s just John,” she said.

“I think my heart rate is back up,” Charlie said, attempting to joke, but Marla turned on her with appraising eyes, grabbed her wrist, and started to count again. “Marla, I’m fine,” Charlie said, halfheartedly pulling away. Marla held on for another few seconds, then released her.