She studies my name and the address of Dr. Morris’ office. “That’s a nice area. Is it a new practice?”

“No. It’s been around for about thirty years.”

“That’s awesome. Good for you.”

We gather our things as the seat belt light goes off. Everyone bolts to their feet but there is nowhere to go yet. We stand in the aisle making small talk after Diana frees her second bag from the overhead.

“So how long will you be up in Napa?” she asks.

“A couple of weeks,” I answer.

“Well, if you get bored or want to head out one night, give me a shout. My shop’s in downtown Napa. I’d be happy to meet up for a drink or dinner.”

“Sounds good.”

• • •

Thirty minutes later I’ve got my bags. I’m the only one tonight in the back of the big passenger van. The driver is quiet, and I check my phone for messages—there are none. My life for the last year has been work and work. It’ll be good to use these next few weeks in Napa to relax and rest and figure out how to be a little more social again.

I did enjoy talking to Diana on the plane. Chatting with her made the flight pass quickly, and I liked her. She was fun. Effervescent. I’d forgotten what positive girl energy feels like.

Need more of that. Didn’t really have that in dental school, either. There was so much pressure. That first year, especially . . .

But I don’t want to think about dental school. Don’t want to think about Dr. Morris. Don’t want to think about anything at all.

Staring out the van window, I gaze up into the sky. The young moon is three quarters full. Waxing gibbous.

I only know this because Andrew loved the moon. He loved the stars and the night sky and owned a telescope from an early age. In the desert you can see the stars better than you can in a city.