Renata was picked up from the hospital by Riley, who had rushed back from out of town early that morning just to help Catherine bring Renata home. Riley had a car, which made things much easier than Catherine taking a patient along with large bags and trying to hail a taxi herself.
That was what friends were for—they didn't have to be there all the time or keep in constant contact. Just showing up when needed most was enough.
Catherine felt lucky to have a sincere friend like Riley.
The three of them returned home. Catherine helped Renata upstairs, while Riley played the role of the strong helper, carrying bag after bag upstairs. Renata had been in the hospital for twenty days, and she had accumulated quite a few things.
Renata was pleased with the place Catherine had rented, but beyond the satisfaction, a tinge of melancholy lingered.
No matter how good it was, it wasn't their original home. It wasn't their own house.
