John’s mind was a whirlwind of questions. “Have you read…”
“No, not yet,” she said. “I was thinking we’d read them together sometime before you have to go back.” She paused. “By the way, when would that be?”
He sized up her enigmatic expression, trying to discern whether she was being sincere or sarcastic. “I get back when I get there.” But in the back of his mind, he could just hear his boss, Ken, telling him he’d had to find someone to take his place, meaning he would essentially be out of Nepal for good.
Peg nodded, then walked around the bed and put her hands on his shoulders. “I love you, so let’s not fight, okay? Mom wouldn’t want that. Not now.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” He forced a smile. “Just let me know what I can do.”
* * *
John buried his mother four days later in a small co
