When the car dropped her off in Elysium’s courtyard, it was lunchtime. Piper decided not to return to her room. Instead she walked down to Wendy’s cottage and knocked.
“Who is it?” Wendy asked from the other side of the door.
“It’s Piper. I wanted to see if you were in the mood to have lunch.”
The door opened a crack. “I’m sorry, Piper, I don’t really feel like seeing anybody right now.”
“Are you all right, Wendy? I called you a couple of times, but nobody answered.”
“I know. I was here, but I just couldn’t pick up the phone.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?” Piper asked gently.
“Yes, if you can make me a new nose.” Wendy opened the door wider. Piper could see she’d been crying.
“Dr. Abernathy told me there’s nothing else he can do,” Wendy continued. “So that’s it.”
“Oh, man, I’m so, so sorry,” said Piper. “I know that Dr. Abernathy is great and everything, but maybe another doctor could do something. Have you thought about getting a second opinion?”
Wendy shook her head. “Maybe someday I will, but right now the thought of getting my hopes up just to have them shattered again is more than I can take. I don’t think my father can take any more either. He’s beside himself.”