She didnt talk much herself, preferring to just bask in the glow of the closest thing shed had to a real family experience in forever. She even pretended not to notice that nearly being sexually assaulted seemed to have had no discernible impact on Hannah, who was giddy after her role in bringing down a sex trafficking ring.

By the time Kat and Patty left, the rest of them, save for John, were wiped out. Hannah said goodnight and headed to her room. As John got Ryan ready for bed, Jessie did one last check on her sister.

I dont want to pressure you, she said, sitting down on the edge of the bed, but do you want to talk about what happened?

Hannah shook her head.

Not really, she said. Maybe down the line, but right now I just want to focus on the positive, you know?

Sure, Jessie said. I totally get that. Still, Im going to make an appointment for you with Dr. Lemmon for tomorrow after school. Be as forthcoming as you want or say nothing at all. Either way, I think you should at least have a chance to unload whatevers on your mind.

Hannah nodded noncommittally.

See you in the morning, she said, effectively ending the conversation.

Jessie sensed that something was off but she couldnt quite put her finger on it. Part of her wondered if shed just spent so much time worrying about her sister that it had made her paranoid. She was tempted to push a little more, but ultimately chose not to. Thered be time for that.

Goodnight, she said, ordering herself to get up and walk out without another potentially alienating word.

She left Hannahs room and returned to Ryans, where John was just finishing up. The nurse stepped out, leaving them alone for the first time all night. They sat side by side on the edge of the hospital bed, not talking for a while, just holding hands.

Have surprise for you, Ryan finally said.

Jessie marveled at how much clearer he sounded in just the few days hed been home.

What is it? she asked.

Stand there, he said, pointing to a small X taped on the ground about five feet away from the bed.

She got up and moved over to the spot.

Face me, he instructed.

She turned around.

Watch this, he said.

Then, with great effort, he grabbed the walker beside him and pushed himself up off the bed. Jessie, fighting the urge to rush over to him, kept her legs locked in place. He wavered slightly as he looked down at his feet, then looked up and winked at her.

Without a word, he took a small, shuffling step with his right foot, then another with the left. He clutched the walker so tight that his knuckles turned white. After about twenty tiny steps and nearly a minute, he was standing directly in front of her.

Want to dance? he croaked.