“ I know . I know all that . But , she ’ s improved . Her color is better . Her hands are warm again . You said that was a good sign too , remember ?”
“ Marcus , of course I do , but I don ’ t want us getting ahead of ourselves . We have- .”
“ I get it ,” Marcus said , raising his hand to the doctor .
A few moments later , the doctor walked out and left Marcus alone with Ms . Grigsby and Sarah .
“ Her hands really are warm again . I ’ m not imagining it and I can tell she seems more content .”
“ It means it ’ s working ,” Ms . Grigsby said , smiling as she placed the cloth and pine needles back .
The pine trees were more beautiful than she thought they would be . Tall , practically rising to the sky , their green needles stood out starkly against the barren landscape around her . Her bare feet welcomed the soft feel of the pine needles covering the ground .
“ Momma look ,” Riley said , big smile on her face .
“ You were right . There were pine trees at the base of the mountain . Just take a deep breath of that . I ’ ve always loved that smell . Isn ’ t it beautiful ?”
Riley nodded and let go of her hand rushing between the trees , pine needles crunching under her feet as she raced away .
17