The monitor beeped in a steady, slow rhythm.

Outside the window, the snow was falling faster, covering the hospital parking lot in a thick blanket of white.

The city felt far away now, its noise muffled by the winter storm.

I stayed with her for an hour, talking to her in low, quiet tones.

I told her about the boardroom, about Vance, and about the police.

I told her that the landlord, Brenner, was gone.

Her hand twitched slightly in mine, but she didn’t wake.

The nurse came in to check the IV drip, her rubber soles squeaking on the floor.

“She’s resting well,” the nurse said. “The medication is doing its job.”

“You should get some rest too.”

“I will,” I said.

I stood up and kissed Mary’s forehead. It felt cool to the touch.

I walked back to the waiting room.

Ethan was still sitting in the small chair, but Lauren was asleep.

She was curled up on his lap, her head resting against his wool coat.

Ethan was holding her carefully, as if she were made of glass.