They didn’t let us into the main infirmary right away. Hazel and I stood in the narrow corridor just outside, shoulder to shoulder, breathing the sharp scent of antiseptic and something else I couldn’t name. The walls were a pale, tired green, the kind of color that’s seen too many anxious faces.

Hazel hadn’t spoken since they took Hagar through those swinging doors. He just stood there, arms crossed tight over his chest, jaw working on nothing. Every time a nurse hurried past, he flinched.

After what felt like a very long time, Dr. Liana came out. Her scrub top had a fresh damp patch near the collar, and the...