Adam Winklerlay in the hospital bed, frail and weak. He was bald and pale. His bony hand gripped Josh’s. “Listen,” he said, “it wasn’t your fault. I was trying to kill myself anyway. It would have happened, no matter what. The time you gave me-you did me a big favor. Look at me. I don’t want you blaming yourself.”

Josh couldn’t speak. His eyes were filled with tears.

“Promise me you won’t blame yourself.”

Josh nodded.

“Liar.” Adam gave a weak smile. “How’s your lawsuit?”

“Okay,” Josh said. “Some people in New York say we gave their mother Alzheimer’s. Actually, we gave her water.”

“You going to win?”

“Oh sure.”

Adam sighed. “Liar.” His hand relaxed. “You take care, bro.” And he closed his eyes.

Josh panicked, wiped his tears away. But Adam was still breathing. He was sleeping, very peacefully.