Cross hadn't been wrong. He was far hungrier for lunch than he'd been for breakfast. The nurse, after chastising him for straining his injuries in the sun room (apparently he was to ask them for help more than he did) helped him through the lunch line and insisted on carrying his tray for him. He didn't argue, just let himself be led around, even when she started heading for a table with a young boy he didn't know.

"Here," she instructed. "Why don't you come sit with George." He was eased carefully into the seat, and he offered the boy a light smile. Hoping that by ignoring the woman she would leave him to his lunch in peace, he turned his attention to his food. This seemed to work and she'd soon wondered off to help some other poor soul.

When she was gone, he nodded to 'George' and said "Hello."