Part 1

He told me he was trapped in emergency surgery.

Nathan said it in the calm, steady voice I had trusted for ten years—the voice that made patients believe he could save them and made his wife believe every late night had a reason.

“I’m sorry, Cass. They pulled me in. It’s serious. Take an Uber home. I’ll make it up to you tonight.”

I had just landed at Philadelphia International Airport after eight days of corporate training in Denver. My suitcase stood beside me, my coat hung over one arm, and exhaustion pressed into my shoulders. I had texted him from the gate. No answer. I called from baggage claim. Voicemail. Then, near the rideshare signs, he finally picked up.