Gretchen wasn’t sure if this news was better or worse. She finally allowed a few tears to escape, no longer having the strength to hold them in. Her head started to pound, and she felt nauseous from the pain. “You didn’t correct me when I gave my address.”

Jax’s eyes were full of sadness, but Gretchen started to doubt even that. “That’s your house. I moved out six months ago.” That was the final kick to Gretchen’s stamina.

Gretchen sank into the bedding, and she went completely limp. She was tired of listening, of answering questions, of looking into sympathetic eyes, and most of all she was tired of finding out her life sucked now.

“I’m tired,” Gretchen said flatly. “Are we done?”

Dr. Melendez stood. “Yes. I have more than enough information. I’ll tell the nurse to bring you some food.”

“Don’t bother.” Gretchen covered her bare forearms to warm up. “I’d like something for the pain. Something that’ll help me sleep.”

“Okay. When you’re feeling up to it, we’ll have to discuss our next steps. I’d like to have you back at home next week.”

She opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling.

“So soon?” Amanda said, concern making her voice too loud for Gretchen’s tired head.

“Yes. There may be some planning involved. The most important things will be comfort and familiarity, and she’ll need someone with her around the clock at first. She won’t be able to drive for six months at the very least.”

Gretchen felt detached as she listened to other people talk about her and make plans for her like she wasn’t even there.

Dr. Melendez kept talking, even after Gretchen thought she made her desire to be left alone clear. “Going home will be a shock to Gretchen. Although we’ve discussed what her life is like now, she still only remembers four years ago. You will both be responsible for making the transition into present-day as smooth as possible. Help her remain calm. Help her relearn everyday routines. Help her with Caleb.”

“I don’t think I should be so involved,” Jax said quietly. If she was trying to keep Gretchen from hearing her, she’d failed.

A tear ran down the side of Gretchen’s face. “Please leave. All of you.”

Amanda touched Gretchen’s shoulder. “Are you sure?”

Gretchen nodded.

“I can come back later?”

“No. Let me sleep.”

Amanda gave her shoulder a squeeze and stepped away. Even the sound of Jax and Amanda getting their coats on and things together was too loud for Gretchen to handle. She took a shaky breath to help deal with the pain in her skull. She didn’t look away from the ceiling until the door shut and she was surrounded by quiet. She saw the three of them outside the small window in the door. Jax and Amanda continued to talk to Dr. Melendez. Gretchen didn’t even care what was being said. She was no longer her own person. What was worse was having to strong-arm the woman who was supposed to be by her side in sickness and in health into caring about her.