“That was the doctor. Something called cancer antigens. CA 72-4, she said. Mine are so elevated that they want to admit me for some tests right away.”

“Right away?” Esther repeated helplessly.

“Yes, well, later this afternoon. I get to pack a bag first.”

Esther was about to ask him what it meant but stopped herself. She knew perfectly well what it meant: cancer. In all likelihood the first step on a long journey of suffering and worry. Yet another step along the way toward her own old age and the loneliness that comes when all her loved ones disappear.

She found Gregers’s eyes.

Those pale gray eyes told the story of a life lived, of love that had blossomed and faded, friendships, jobs, three children, a divorce. Of little knees with Band-Aids, sack lunches, summer vacations, and late nights out drinking beer after work, of boat trips, failures and misunderstandings, relationship battles, and amputated hearts.

Gregers cleared his throat uncertainly.

“I’m sorry, Esther, but I think I’d like to go home now.”

A SEAGULL SOARED past Trekroner’s lighthouse and into Copenhagen Harbor like a bright patch of white in the sunshine. Anette tilted her head back and followed its flight.

“That’s why I love living out here, the birds, the ocean. Nature becomes a part of you when you’re alone with it.”

Mads Teigen was standing right behind her, close enough that she could feel the gentle puffs of his breath against the back of her neck. So close that he must be able to see the goose bumps spreading over her arms. Even though she couldn’t see him, she could sense his broad frame. Those hands that made her feel so unaccustomedly feminine.

What was she doing here?

Since when did she need to be acknowledged for her appearance? She, who had never given a damn about stereotypical gender roles, and who loved being seen for her courage, toughness, and skill. Was she becoming one of those women who got fake lashes glued on, took selfies at sunset, and cheated on their husbands?

“Come, I want to show you something!”

He took her hand and pulled her toward the red commander’s residence. She let him do it. As they walked along the pier, his palm burned against her own. They, too, could be a couple. He caught her eye and smiled. She looked down and tried to regain control of her breathing.

Mads unlocked the building and she automatically wondered why he locked his front door when was he living alone on a deserted island. But then people did come here all the time.

“I don’t usually show this to anyone, but I really want you to see it. I have the feeling that you’ll understand.” He exhaled and opened the door to the workshop, stepped aside, and gestured for her to enter.