I make a quick run down to the nearest gas station, buying her a bag of Lindt™ milk chocolate candies for 3.99, and rush them back to the house.

I run into her room, and her face lights up. "This should help with your swallowing." I say, and she reaches for the candies. I pull them away. "Uh uh," I say, nodding to the medicine and water by her bedside. "Take that first."

She groans, but does as told. I smile, handing her a chocolate and popping a separate one into my mouth. "Hey!" she jokes, smiling.

I tap her on the nose. "Boop!" I say lightly, and she dozes off into sleep as I tell her a story about Mr Limpet, and how his wish to become a fish came true.

I stay at her house that night, sitting in a nearby rocking chair as she sleeps, when her dad walks in. "Hey Mr. Grace." I say, making sure not to wake Angel as I turn.

"Please," he says, "call me Nicholas."

"Okay..." I try out the name: "Nicholas."

He smiles.