The Dinosaur Ball, the benefit for the Museum of Natural History, was around the corner. She had been behind schedule even before Rory’s accident. She also wanted to start planning flowers for Rory and Tom’s wedding. There would be a wedding next June. She refused to think otherwise.Rory stirred and mumbled. Evelyn looked up from her work. After a moment, she set the brochures aside and rose, not believing what she thought she’d heard. When she approached Rory’s bed, she saw it was true. Rory was laughing.Evelyn took her hand. “Rory, darling? Mommy’s here.”Rory pulled her hand away and reached both arms into the air, giggling. Her eyes were open and focused.“Oh my goodness.” Evelyn ran from the room. “Someone come here, please. She’s back. Rory’s come back. She’s laughing.”Joy, the nurse, poked her head out from the next room. “Be right there, Mrs. Tate.”Evelyn huffed and returned to Rory’s side.Rory’s hands were still raised above her head, palms open, as if she were holding something between them.
