As Matt neared the hospital he felt that familiar rush of panic. But he kept walking. It only took him a few minutes to find the nursing school entrance.

Amanda came out when he was halfway across the parking lot. Matt spotted the big Buick Electra and cut across to meet her there.

She was fumbling for her keys when she noticed him standing by the car. “Matt!” She quickly wiped her eyes with the back of her sleeve. “What are you doing here?” She looked around the parking lot. “What are you doing anywhere?”

“It was time to get out of that trailer.”

They just looked at each other for a little while. “I miss him,” Amanda said in a small voice. “I can’t imagine what it’s like for you, I know it’s worse. But I miss him, too, you know?”

Matt took a deep breath. “He would have liked to hear you say that, Amanda.” They were quiet for a few more moments. “And I like to hear you say it, too. It helps.” He lifted the backpack he was holding. “The people from After Care gave me a little vase with Jack’s ashes. Got ’em right here. Jack never really told me what he wanted me to do with them. But I can’t just leave them at the trailer, you know? All cooped up in there. So I guess I need to find someplace to set them free.” He looked Amanda in the eyes. “I thought you might be able to help me.”

Amanda wrapped Matt in a bear hug. He let her. “I’d love to help you.”

Matt stepped back. He cleared his throat and inclined his head toward the nursing school doors. “So what happened?”

Amanda’s face crumpled. She started to say something but then stopped. She just looked at the ground.

“What? Wait—they didn’t let you in?”

Amanda shook her head slowly.

“That’s bullshit. What happened?”

“Oh, you know me. It was a panel interview, and I’m no good with a bunch of people looking at me. People I don’t know yet.” She sucked in a shaky breath. “I was nervous and awkward, and they said they had some concerns I’d be too timid for the program or to deal with patients.” She tried a smile. “It wasn’t all bad, though, I swear. They were actually pretty nice about it—encouraged me to do some more volunteer work at the hospital, maybe get a job for a year. Then reapply when I have some more experience.” She raised both palms. “It’s probably good advice, Matt.”

“Timid? Are you shitting me?” Matt said. “You’re the bravest person I know.”

“I’m glad you think so, Matt. I wish you were on the interview panel.” Amanda pulled her keys from her purse and unlocked the car door. “Come on. Let’s just get out of here.”

“No way.” Matt started for the entrance.

“What are you doing?”

He turned. “I’m going in there to tell somebody you’ve already been working as a volunteer nurse these last few months. Available at all hours, calm under pressure, good bedside manner, all that shit. Best nurse I’ve ever seen. They have to let you in.”

Amanda wiped her eyes again. “Matt…that’s sweet. But I don’t think it’s going to make any difference.”

“Fine. If that doesn’t work, then I guess I can always beat the shit out of somebody in there.”

Amanda looked surprised, then giggled. “That’s actually what I felt like doing.”

Matt grinned. “Feels good, right?” He walked back to the car, took Amanda by the hand and pulled her toward the entrance. “Come on, we can at least try.” They walked toward the front doors together.