“The coronavirus,” Linnea said, sitting straighter.

“That’s it,” Emmi said with a quick nod. “You know John. He made a decision right quick to isolate himself. He went straight to the carriage house. There’s no getting a test because there are no tests to be had. John instructed me to scour the house with antibacterial soap, which I did. I’m in that dangerous demographic, you know. And especially Flo, at eighty-nine—everything is a worry. We’re being super careful. John’s been holed up in the carriage house ever since. I bring him meals; he orders food in.” She sighed. “We’re trying our best. It’s all so confusing.”

Linnea was grateful that Emmi didn’t cast aspersions for her not answering John’s texts. “When did he arrive?”

“Why…” Emmi paused to count on her fingers. “Can’t have been more than four days. He’s not budged from that room, and he won’t until another week has passed. You know how he is when he has his mind made up.”

“Yes,” Linnea replied, and clenched her hands in her lap. “Does he have any symptoms?”

“He says he doesn’t. But he’s worried he could carry the germs. What’s that called when they don’t have the symptoms but they do carry it?”

“Asymptomatic.”

“That’s right. He wants to stay in quarantine the full two weeks.”

“And then he’ll leave?”

Emmi’s brows rose. “I don’t know. That’s up to him.”

Linnea frowned. “You mean he might stay longer?”

“I hope he does.”

She saw Emmi stiffen slightly and heard the subtle shift in tone. Of course she’d want him to stay as long as possible. What mother wouldn’t? And the last thing Linnea wanted was to get into an argument with John’s mother. She loved Emmi and valued their relationship. She wouldn’t allow John to ruin that.

“Is that a problem for you?” Emmi asked directly.

“It’s just… he’s trying to make contact with me.”

“Well, why not? You’re still friends, aren’t you?”

Linnea shook her head and looked at her hands clutched in her lap. She heard the loud buzzing of a bee near her ears. “No, Emmi. We’re not.”

Emmi shifted in her seat, clearly uncomfortable.

It was time to go. Linnea looked up and said earnestly, “I hope he’s well. Thanks for bringing me up to speed.”

“You don’t have to rush off.”

“I left groceries on the counter,” Linnea replied. She rose and turned to leave, then stopped. It had to be said. “Listen,” she said, resting her hand on the back of the iron chair for support. “Could you do me a favor? If you see John, or talk to him through the door, could you ask him not to try to contact me? I’d rather he didn’t.”

Emmi’s smile fell to a frown. “Now, isn’t that going a bit too far? He’s just being friendly.”

Linnea shook her head. She didn’t want to talk to his mother about this. “There’s nothing left for him to say. He was quite clear when I left California that he didn’t want me in his life.”