“I’m serious.”
“I know.”
THE NEXT MORNING
Ethan woke me early.
Too early.
He walked into my room holding a mug.
“I made tea.”
That immediately made me suspicious.
“What do you want?”
He grinned.
“The wheelchair is ready.”
Of course.
“Can we pick it up?”
I sat up.
“Today?”
“Now.”
“Ethan.”
“And then take it to Sophie?”
I looked at the clock.
“You haven’t told her?”
“No.”
“Her parents?”
“No.”
I stared.
“You bought their daughter a wheelchair and told absolutely nobody?”
He thought about it.
“Yes.”
I sighed.
“What if her parents feel uncomfortable?”
Ethan’s expression became serious.
“I’m not blaming them.”
“I know.”
“They’re trying.”
He looked down.
“But she shouldn’t have to struggle while everyone waits for things to get better.”
That ended the debate.
I got dressed.
THE HOUSE IN BELLMERE
We picked up the wheelchair and drove across Bellmere to Sophie’s house.
It came partially boxed and wrapped, so I carried most of it while Ethan walked ahead.
He knocked.
A moment later, the door opened.
