Then at their matching shirts.

“Congratulations,” I said. “You look remarkably healthy.”

***

For several seconds, Daniel seemed incapable of speaking.

Laura stood beside him, glancing between us.

“Daniel?” she asked.

He swallowed.

“Claire, what are you doing here?”

I almost laughed.

“At the charity race I registered for weeks ago?”

He looked around nervously.

“I mean… I thought you’d already finished.”

“I did.”

He stared at me.

I continued.

“About fifteen minutes ago.”

Laura loosened her hold on his arm.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “Who are you?”

I looked at her.

There was genuine confusion on her face.

I glanced at Daniel.

He was watching us both, visibly anxious.

“I’m Claire,” I answered.

She waited.

Then I added:

“Daniel’s wife.”

Laura went still.

She looked at his left hand.

I followed her gaze.

His wedding ring was missing.

A pale mark remained where he normally wore it.