Mallory’s gaze snapped to hers. “Can you? Even if you don’t know how I got this way?”
“I think so. Sometimes, I have no idea why something is happening to a patient, but it doesn’t seem to matter. I just want to help them, and that seems to be enough.”
“So, does that mean you want to help me?”
Kizzy smiled. “If you want my help, I’d be happy to give it.”
“Yes, please.”
Kizzy closed her eyes and channeled her energy into Mallory.
“So, can you do it?”
“It’s already done.”
Tears streamed down Mallory’s cheeks. “Thank you, thank you! I don’t know how I can ever repay you, but I’ll be forever in your debt.”
Kizzy laughed. “Nobody repays me. There is no debt. This is my destiny.”
Mallory gazed at her openmouthed. “That’s quite a destiny. I don’t know what mine is. Just to make the world more interesting, I guess.” Her cheeks pinked.
Kizzy still had an arm around her and gave her a side hug. “That’s a valid destiny too.”
Gabriella entered the room and smiled. “I’m glad you girls are getting along. Dinner will be ready soon. Which one of you would like to set the table?”
Mallory looked at her hands. “I just had meat juice all over my fingers. I’ll have to wash up, and then I’d be glad to help.”
“Same here,” Kizzy said.
The birds chirped as if to say, “Thanks for all the meat.”
“Follow me, girls. I’ll show you where I keep the silverware and dishes right after you wash your hands.”
* * *
Mallory met her parents at the airport by the luggage carousel. She was genuinely happy to see them, and they each gave her a strong, warm hug. “I’m so glad to see you, honey,” her mother said. “We missed you.”
“Same here. You too, Dad. Did you have a good flight?”
Her father groaned. “It’s been a challenging few days, but I think the flight was the most relaxing part of it, even with the turbulence.” He laughed.
“I’m surprised you’re in a good mood. I thought you’d be very upset about your project not panning out.”
Mr. Summers sagged. “Well, I’ve been trying to be philosophical about it. It was a good idea, but maybe it wasn’t meant to be. I hit roadblocks everywhere—not literal ones, although the damn protesters did their best to keep the construction crew out. It was just too stressful.”
“I was worried about his health.”
Alarmed, Mallory asked, “Are you okay? Did you have chest pain or anything?”
“No, but it might have been a matter of time. I had to throw in the towel and admit it was just not worth it. Sometimes, you have to let things go.”
She hugged him. “I’m glad you’re able to take it philosophically.” She had never known him to be that way. Maybe he’d been changed by the experience, in which case all was not wasted. “You’re right, and sometimes things don’t work out, but it’s the best thing that could’ve happened to you.”
Her mother smiled. “Is that coming from experience, dear?”
“Maybe. I never would’ve believed it if it hadn’t happened to me. I really like my new job.”
“You’ll have to tell us more about that later,” her father said. “I’m exhausted.”
