Amanda had been a professor. Well, she’d wanted to be, and since Kallie was working in the anthropology department as an assistant professor herself at the time, they’d gotten to know each other over coffee and the grading of essays and exams. They’d also coordinated a few field trips and lab work, and by the time the semester had passed, Kallie had moved in with Amanda.

We’d all thought they’d end up getting married. It just seemed like it was in the cards; they were perfect together. Still, something had happened about two years into their relationship, and we hadn’t been able to figure out what it had been. Kallie had never disclosed it; she’d just turned up at the house one day, asking to stay in the guest room until she could find a place.

We’d let her, and had helped her find the apartment she was still in. It was in Alice’s old building, and Kallie absolutely loved it. As she’d moved up the University ladder she’d considered buying a house, but she loved the apartment so much that she couldn’t give it up. It was in close proximity to the school, and she liked her neighbors, so she’d just kept renting it. Since getting the place, we’d never seen her show any romantic interest in anyone, although it was fairly obvious she sometimes brought people home. Alice had been worried about her for years, saying she threw herself into her work too much and didn’t take the time for her own happiness. I could see her point, but what exactly could I have told Kallie? She was an adult.

Sitting across the table from her now, though, I was relieved to see a bit of a sparkle back in her eyes. It wasn’t that she acted unhappy; no, she actually seemed fairly happy on a daily basis. But something always seemed to be eating away at her. I’d suspected it was loneliness, and from her change in mood since she’d met Gemma, I figured I was right about that.

We went back to Alice’s room soon after we’d finished our tea. Gemma had gotten Alice’s things taken care of, and told me that I could help her drink her soup and juice if I wanted to. She also let me know that Dr. Ramirez would be in early the next morning, and depending on his view of the situation, the physical therapist would probably follow soon after. With that being said, Gemma said goodbye to Alice and I and left with Kallie, after she’d said goodbye too of course.