Chapter 89
Jessica paced restlessly, worry etched across her face. She wanted desperately to ask the doctor about Henry, but she couldn’t speak.
Timothy seemed to sense her anxiety. He stepped forward, voicing every question she wished she could ask.
“It’s only a minor procedure,” the doctor assured them. “There’s really nothing to worry about.”
Soon after, Henry was wheeled into the operating room.
Even with the doctor’s reassurance, Jessica couldn’t shake her anxiety. Surgery was still surgery, no matter how simple. She hovered by the door, her heart feeling as though it might fly right in after her son.
Guilt gnawed at her.
She’d been so absorbed in her own mess lately, tangled up in her feelings, that she’d barely noticed Henry. He was only six, just a child–he acted out sometimes, said the wrong things. But instead of gently guiding him, she’d ignored him, left him to fend for himself.
If she’d paid more attention, if she’d cared for him like a mother should, maybe he wouldn’t be sick now.
Her hand, braced against the wall, curled into a tight fist.”
Timothy came over and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. His voice was low and soothing. “Hey, it’s going to be all right. Don’t worry.”
Jessica closed her eyes, struggling to compose herself.
She hadn’t asked Timothy about everything–hadn’t told him the truth, hadn’t figured out what was really going on. Instead, she’d let her diagnosis–six months to live–swallow up everything else, shutting out the world.§
No, she couldn’t leave things like this. She had to talk to Timothy, had to make things clear. If time was running out, she couldn’t let regrets pile up.
She raised her hand, ready to sign the words when Timothy’s phone rang.
He glanced at the screen. “It’s from Sallie.”
“Jessica, let me take this:“}
He answered, and Sallie’s voice burst through. “Timothy, can you come get me? I’m stranded on the highway near the airport–my car died.”
Middle of the night, Jessica thought. Of course Sallie would call him; who else could she turn to at this hour?!
Timothy frowned. “I thought you were going abroad. Why are you back already?“}
Sallie sounded exasperated. “Don’t even start! ! just got to Grandpa’s, and he told me Sheila had already taken Henry to the airport. So I stayed for dinner, chatted a bit, and came right back.”
“I’ll be there as soon as I can,” Timothy promised.
He hung up and turned to Jessica. “My sister’s stuck with her car. Stay here with Henry–I’ll go pick her up.”
Jessica had planned to ask him about Sheila, but she knew Sallie’s temper. When Sallie called, Timothy had no choice but to go. It was nearly three in the morning–there was no one else.z
There’d be time to talk later. Henry was safe in the hospital, and Timothy would be back soon enough.
She nodded.2
Timothy gently cradled the back of her neck and kissed her forehead. “Don’t be scared. It’s a simple procedure. I’ll be back before you know it.”
With that, he strode away.2
Jessica could still feel the warmth of his lips on her skin, her thoughts a tangled mess.
She didn’t know what she felt anymore.
Less than an hour passed before the operating room doors swung open.
The doctor and nurse rolled Henry out.
Jessica saw his eyes closed and quickly pulled out her phone, typing a message:
“I thought it was just a minor procedure–why is he still unconscious?”
The doctor smiled reassuringly. “He’s not unconscious, just asleep. Everything went well. There’s nothing to worry about. When the anesthesia wears off, he might feel sore in the morning, but just comfort him.”
Jessica’s shoulders sagged with relief. She followed as they wheeled Henry to his room.
Once he was settled, the staff left them alone.
Jessica sat at the bedside, gently stroking Henry’s cheek. He looked so much like Timothy–almost a perfect copy
Every time she looked at her son, she thought of Timothy. They were her whole world, the two people she loved most.
So when Henry had clung to Sheila so eagerly, it had stung more than she cared to admit.
A soft knock sounded at the door.
Jessica turned, expecting Timothy
But when the door swung open, Jessica’s expression tensed.
was Sheila who stepped inside.
