In Charlotte, Ethan walked through his new office suite with Madeline and his father-in-law, Dr. Richard Barnes.
“Next week I’ll introduce you to the hospital director,” Richard said. “He already likes you.”
“Thank you, Doctor,” Ethan replied. “That means a lot.”
Madeline looped her arm through his. “Did you invite anyone from your family to the grand opening?”
Ethan didn’t look at her. “I don’t have family.”
Madeline didn’t push.
Later, at dinner, Patricia lifted her glass.
“I admire Ethan so much. He came from nothing, with no help from anyone, and look where he is.”
Ethan smiled and changed the subject.
In the little room, Evelyn woke in the middle of the night, reaching for something that wasn’t there.
“Ethan…”
Her voice came out like a whisper. No one answered.
By morning:
“How many days have I been here?”
“Three,” Linda said.
“And he didn’t call?”
Linda shook her head.
No.
Evelyn nodded slowly and hugged the shoebox to her chest like it was the only thing she had left—because it was.
A week passed, and Evelyn fell into a routine.
Before sunrise she filled a bucket at the communal sink and scrubbed clothes in silence, her hands wrinkled from cheap detergent.