Chapter 26. When He Stayed

Her mother opened the apartment door before Diana could reach for her key.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then her mother put both hands against her face, as though she needed to feel that every part of her was still there, and Diana began crying again.

“I'm home, Mama.”

“I can see that.” Her mother's voice shook. “Come inside before you make me stand in the hallway all night.”

Gabriel followed them carrying Diana's bag. He stopped just beyond the door while her mother settled her on the sofa, took away the shoes she was trying to remove herself, and asked about the hospital twice. Diana answered twice. She understood the need to hear it again.

Only when a blanket had been tucked around her legs did her mother look at him.

“You're Gabriel.”

“Yes.”

“There's soup on the stove. Three bowls.”

He put down the bag and went into the kitchen.

Diana watched him open the wrong cupboard, find the bowls i