Lenny Lockhart is wheeled back into the room after her latest MRI. She’s been staying here since she was admitted to the hospital after collapsing in the kitchen from an infection. Her oncologist recommended she remain in the hospital until a bone marrow donor is found—a possibility Lenny has little hope for, especially since everyone in her family has already been tested.

 

As the male transporter pushes her wheelchair toward the bed, she’s surprised to see someone standing near it, a happy surprise she wasn’t expecting.

 

"Surprise!" Tanner Lockhart exclaims, her fraternal twin sister standing in full protective gear, holding a tote bag full of items.

 

Lenny’s eyebrows raise in excitement and curiosity. "What are you doing here?"

 

The transporter steps away as Tanner walks over to help her sister into bed. "Thought I’d stop by and pamper my sister. It's no crime, last time I checked," Tanner says, her voice muffled slightly by her disposable mask.

 

"So, what will that entail?" Lenny asks, lightly touching her head, which is shaved but covered by a camouflage bandana.

 

Tanner helps her sister settle into bed, noticing Lenny’s mobility is weaker; though her complexion is less pale now that the infection is out of her system. She reaches into the tote bag and pulls out an assortment of nail polish bottles. "Take your pick."

 

Lenny, who’s always been more of a tomboy, prefers the farm to the mall, but the idea of getting her nails done feels oddly comforting at this moment. "Uh, I guess that dark green one," she says, pointing with a finger.

 

"Forest green, it is," Tanner notes, setting the bottles aside. She surveys the room, which is decorated with a mini-Christmas tree that Elijah brought for Lenny. They’d decorated it together, and there were cards on the table. 

 

Tanner’s gaze returns to her sister. "So, how are you doing?"

 

Lenny shakes her head with a weary sigh. "You know the answer to that. Anyway, how about you? How’s everything with you and Presley?"

 

Tanner hesitates for a moment remembering the last time they spoke—things between her and Presley had been complicated.

 

"Well, we patched things up," she says as she carefully begins to paint Lenny’s nails without spilling the polish on the bed.

 

Lenny senses the hesitation. "Why do I sense a 'but'?"

 

Tanner sighs while feeling guilty for sharing her issues when Lenny is facing something so much bigger. She caps the polish bottle, then lets out a long exhale. "The other day, Tommy came over to the cottage, and he... we... almost kissed."
 
"What do you mean, almost?"

 

"I stopped him. I reminded him that it’s not a good idea—he’s married to Jordan, and I’m with Presley. Presley’s good for me, no baggage."
 

Lenny laughs softly.  "Tan, you just made Presley sound like a healthy food option."

 

"That’s not what I meant."

 

Lenny takes a deep breath. "Look, this year has taught us all that life’s too short. If you’re sticking with Presley out of obligation, maybe it’s time to set him free. Especially since you’re still wrestling with your feelings for Tommy."

 

Tanner looks at her sister, feeling a mix of guilt and appreciation. Deciding to shift gears, she looks down at Lenny’s nails.

"That color is perfect," she says, continuing to polish them.