David was a sales manager, often away for two or three days a week. It was a life of constant motion, but he always came home to them. He took the pills she offered, kissing her hand. “I’m so lucky to have you, Rach.”

Emma watched them, her expression uncharacteristically solemn. Just a few months ago, she would have rolled her eyes and groaned, “Gross!” Now, she was just… watching.

The ordinary Tuesday morning unfolded. Rachel dropped Emma at school and headed to her own part-time job as an office clerk. She was organizing files just after two o’clock when her cell phone rang. Sacramento General Hospital. Her heart seized. Calls from hospitals were never good news.

“Mrs. Thompson?” a professionally calm voice asked. “This is the emergency department. Are you the wife of David Thompson?”