She held an index finger to my lips. “I forgive you. Let’s leave it at that, okay?”

She had placed her trust in me, and I had violated that trust. There was so much I wanted to explain, but nothing would alleviate her pain. We looked at each other for a few moments. She seemed tired, as if she had been crying again. Everything had been taken from Abby, and I had added to her losses when I should have been caring for her, protecting her. I looked away.

“Has Agent Steele returned?” she finally asked.

“Not yet.”

She glanced at the counter. “Have you had anything to eat this afternoon?”

“No. I didn’t like what they brought for lunch.”

“I’ll go get something. I don’t want you eating just cookies.”

She returned in ten minutes with two sandwiches and some chips. She had become a connoisseur of chips. Ben entered as we were finishing the sandwiches. “Got the portable VR hookup.”

It looked like the one I had used in my office, only newer.

Abby put her plate down and stood. “Is it ready to go?”

“As soon as we get you into it. If Ray was successful, he should be online in a matter of minutes. If not…well, we’ll know soon enough.”

She sat in the chair by the window. Ben got her fitted and the settings adjusted. He stepped back. “It’s ready.”

“Are you coming with me?” she asked him, looking anxious.

“No, no need. He’s expecting you.”

She looked over at me. “Creighton? Are you coming?”

I shook my head and forced a smile. “You two need to get acquainted. Catch up on the last three decades. I’ll join you the next time.”

I desperately wanted to go, to somehow make amends by simply being there. But I had forfeited the right to be there, the first time at least. I had been Abby’s closest connection in the world, and she could no longer trust me. Despite saying she forgave me and despite her invitation for me to accompany her, she was, in part, alone again. Maybe, for now, Ray could give her the connection she needed.

She turned to Ben. “Okay.”

“All right,” he said. “Now, remember, this can’t be a long visit. Ray said that longer than a few minutes might trigger a security subroutine that would let the hospital know we’ve snuck in. At least I think that’s what he said. I’m no scientist. As it is, we agreed that if you’re not back in ten minutes, I’m pulling you out.”

She nodded.

Ben continued, “Press this green button on the right side of your head. I have no idea where you’ll end up. Be prepared for any sort of environment.” Ben accessed the time. “One minute.”

Abby turned toward me, her eyes wide. “Creighton, can you believe it? I’m going to see my Poppy.”