Mary had been looking forward to their retirement together, her reward for a life of devotion. Johnny had finally ended his career, a series of high-flying posts around the country that took him from Alexandria to Logan. Then his old vigor suddenly gave way to bowel pain.
The nurse came and brought her to him. He lay on his side, one hand grasping the bed rail. “Hi, honey, how are you feeling?” asked Mary. “Alexandria?” Johnny groggily replied.