The rest, he knew, had been told yesterday. Lester had been working at the hospital all day, had come home to find Sadie Sloane asleep in his bed, and had waited awkwardly with his mother until she woke up and then he chatted with her until she went back home. He alternated between feeling like nothing had changed, and feeling like everything had changed — like his best friend was suddenly some fragile creature.

Today, he didn't have to work. He took breakfast at home and walked further north in Bartonburg until he was at the Thompsett household. He was not sure if they would be thrilled that he was here during an hour that was traditionally reserved for calling suitors, but he doubted that Sisse was in any state to see suitors. He was led into the parlor, and eventually she was brought down.

"Sisse," Lester said, still standing in her parlor because he felt awkward finding somewhere to sit. His voice was already thick. His arms were a little away from his body, at his sides, like he was a bird about to take flight — it was because he wanted to hug her.