"I'm not sure those qualify," Tony said, peeking into the little bakery box. His cardiologist probably agreed, but he was taking one out of its tissue paper already anyway. "But that was ... thoughtful. Grab yourself something to drink from the fridge, put a hat on and get in here. And when I say something I mean Gatorade or water. Actual hydration, no Coke."

The second bedroom was starting to come into something resembling livability. The hardest work had been done, installing the plumbing and wiring into the new bathroom and closet. But there was still some tile to lay, some mirrors to install, and painting to do.

Tony pulled down the brim of his own hat before crunching across the drop cloth to pry open the paint can with a screwdriver.

"Wow. Someone open a window. That is ... heady. Oh my god, is your nose gonna fall off?"