I open the door. Marrow walks in slow and sure, hops onto the bed, and curls against Mr. Avery's chest. The old man lets out a long breath and smiles. By the time I check his pulse, he's gone, peaceful and warm. Marrow purrs once, then trots out to find the next door. I let him pass.

I take my hand off the knob. "No. You don't get to choose tonight. I do, and I choose to fight for you." Mr. Avery's eyes fill with tears. Outside, Marrow stops scratching. For the first time the cat looks unsure, and at dawn Mr. Avery is still breathing. But Diane finds me later, pale. "It doesn't forget," she says. "Now it knows your name."