I hated that look.
Suspicious of kindness.
I had created that too.
I said.
“Please.”
She looked away.
“Two nights ago.”
I called a nurse.
Asked whether there was a family waiting room with a couch.
Hannah immediately refused.
“I’m not leaving Walter.”
“He’s stable.”
“I’m staying.”
Dad heard.
He lifted his good hand.
Then pointed toward the couch.
He wanted her to rest.
Hannah smiled.
“Traitor.”
For the first time, I saw a tiny glimpse of the woman I had married.
It hurt.
She lay down.
Within minutes, she was asleep.
I sat beside Dad.
For a while, neither of us spoke.
Then I said.
“I’m sorry.”
His eyes filled.
“I should have come.”
Tears rolled down his cheeks.
“I should have asked questions.”
He squeezed my hand.
Then released it.
He pointed at Hannah.
I nodded.
“I know.”
“I owe her more.”
He nodded again.
Then slowly formed one sound.
“Hh…”
I leaned closer.
“Hannah?”
He blinked.
Yes.
Then another broken sound.
“Sa…”
“Saved you?”
Tears filled his eyes.
He nodded.
I covered my face.
My ex-wife had saved my father.
The woman I had humiliated hours earlier.
I sat there for a long time.
Then Dad tapped my arm.
I looked up.
He pointed toward my phone.
Then toward Hannah.
I understood.
Call Melissa?
He shook his head.
Then pointed to me.
Then Hannah.
My father wanted me to apologize.
I laughed through tears.
“You’re demanding even after a stroke.”
His mouth moved slightly.
Almost a smile.
I waited until Hannah woke.
Then said,
“I need to tell you something.”
She sat upright.
“What?”
“I’m sorry.”
Her face became unreadable.
I continued.
“For today.”
“For the hundred dollars.”
“For following you.”
“For accusing you again when I saw D
