A HORRIBLE RINGING noise intruded upon my nothingness. The deep soothing voice made it stop.
“Thomasyna, hello! Yes, she’s resting easier now. Thanks for coming in so early and staying with her. Mrs. Wingdale says she’ll sit tight for now, so feel free to come again if you’re feeling up to it. . . . Ah, now look! Let’s not start with that again, Thom! Uncle Lloyd’s right! You do live in those fairy tales you bring to life! Thom— . . . Okay, no . . . I haven’t tried. I— . . . Okay! All right—I’ll give it a shot. Back off me now!
“Look, thanks for checking in. I’ll let you know when anything changes. Listen, don’t let Stephan’s family change you, okay? You’re a sweet kid . . . Appreciate you saying so, but there’s a good few of Joleigh’s relatives who wouldn’t agree with you right at the
