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lights in the ward had begun to dim, he appeared in her doorway. It took her a moment to place him as his dark blue uniform had been replaced by a sweater and a pair of jeans. The absence of the bulletproof vest didn’t seem to diminish that broad chest, thick neck and strong shoulders. As she studied the young face that peeked in her doorway, it wasn’t until he flashed that winning grin that she realized who it was. “You!” she said.
    He came into the room and pulled a bunch of flowers inside a cellophane wrap from behind his back. The kind you’d pick up at a convenience store. “Hi,” he said. “How are you doing?”
    She struggled to lift herself in the bed. “I’m…Well, I’ve been better. But coming along. I was just thinking about you.”
    â€œWell, that’s something. You’ve been on my mind, too.”
    â€œAbout that night…I think I need to thank you. I was going to track you down, but I don’t know your name.”
    â€œSam,” he said. “Jankowski.” He glanced about the room. “Is there anywhere to put these? I’m such a dunce, I never thought about a vase….”
    â€œDon’t worry. Just put them here,” she said, touching the tray table. “One of the nurses will bring an extra water jug later. So, thank you.”
    â€œFor…?”
    â€œI don’t really know. For catching me speeding before I caused the accident. For not giving me a ticket when I deserved one. For—Were you the witness who said it wasn’t my fault?”
    â€œWhat I saw was in my report. It was an awful wreck. I sure was relieved you made it.”
    She giggled stupidly and then covered her mouth. “Sorry,” she said. “I might be a little loopy. I just had a pain shot.”
    He stood right over her bed, where her sisters and Jason had all done so much time. But his presence seemed out of place.
    â€œHow much longer do you have to be in the hospital?” he asked.
    â€œActually, I’m going home in a few days. Depending on the doctor. And then I’ll have physical therapy for a long time. Probably months.”
    â€œJeez, good thing I stopped by. I didn’t want to miss you.”
    â€œThanks. But as you can see, even though I look like hell, I’m going to be fine. Eventually.”
    â€œYou look pretty good, as a matter of fact. Total recovery?”
    â€œProbably. Ninety-five percent chance, as long as nothing weird happens.”
    â€œFantastic. Damn, that was lucky.”
    â€œWell, depending on your perspective….”
    â€œI mean, you could’ve been killed. Do you remember the accident?”
    â€œNot a bit. Not a piece. I remember the light turning green. Otherwise, nothing.”
    â€œGood.”
    â€œI was unconscious….”
    â€œNot the whole time,” he said. “You drifted in and out. Asked for someone named Jason.”
    â€œMy son.”
    â€œAnd…Mike, I think.”
    â€œOh, God,” she said weakly.
    â€œThe husband?” he asked.
    â€œNo.” Could it be she was seeing Mike at that moment? At the accident and not later, in the hospital? Was time altogether different when visiting the other side? “Mike,” she repeated. “An old fiancé. Many years ago. Nineteen. He was in the Air Force and was killed in a plane crash.”
    â€œWow. He must be someone you think about all the time.”
    â€œNo. No, I don’t anymore. Years ago I did. I couldn’t seem to run him out of my mind, but then I married, had a child and…Listen, can I tell you something crazy? And you wouldn’t burst out laughing or tell anyone or anything?”
    He shrugged. “If you want.”
    â€œI saw him. Mike. Right before I woke up in the trauma center. I was in a foggy place with some light out there in the distance. And he came right out of the mist, said, ‘Hi, Clare,’ and then