His voice seemed paralyzed. He felt his mouth open and close, but no sound came out. Ginny's face faded in and out of focus, and for a few seconds he thought he might pass out. Her words were too incredible to be true. "What... how..." A passerby jostled his arm, startling him. The man apologized and kept moving. "I need to sit down," she said, her chin quavering. Bailey looked up and saw they were only a few steps from the coffee shop. He grabbed her hand and led her to the door. For a full minute she clasped his hand tightly, and Bailey felt a strange stirring in his midsection. Just like old times. They claimed a booth, sitting across from each other. He relinquished her hand reluctantly. Ginny sighed as she sank into the plush upholstery. She looked exhausted. Pink rings glowed around her eyes, nose, and lips. Bailey felt a rush of sympathy for her, but couldn't wait any longer for answers. "Ginny, what's going on?" She inhaled deeply, still clenching the shredded tissue in her hand.
