ELEVEN
Loretta’s face was so pale, it almost blended with the white pillowcase her head lay on. She was lying on her back breathing with the aid of the oxygen machine when Rachel entered her room at the hospital. She wasn’t sure if Loretta was asleep or not until she sat in the chair beside the bed. Loretta’s eyes flipped open immediately.
“Rachel, dear,” Loretta whispered, after moving the oxygen cup to the side. Her eyes smiled, but her mouth didn’t respond.
“Loretta, hi,” Rachel said, taking one of the old lady’s hands into her own. “Don’t strain yourself to talk.”
Loretta slid the cup back in place, struggling to take a deep breath.
“Okay, so, nothing has changed much at the condo since you’ve been here,” Rachel said, trying to entertain the woman. “Oh, you did know Alfred and Pen
