These Dreams of You

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The woman calls to Viv, halfway up the flight of steps, “Third floor. I couldn’t put them in the same room, it was taken, so they’re down the hall — thirty-seven, nicer, actually. . ” and Viv already hears her daughter’s music. “I called for a doctor an hour ago,” the woman turns to James. “Since they checked in, she hasn’t seemed at all well. The African lady.”