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“Dad. We don’t have to talk about that.” She smiled.
“Baby, I want to hear about your life. I don’t have much longer. Tell me everything.” He gave her a wobbly grin, and she brushed away a tear, nodding.
So she did.
She told him about the SUP boarding and flying first class, and how she had met the brother of Emma’s new husband, and that she liked him.
Because why not?
He was her dad, after all, and who better to give her advice about men? If only for one more day.
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AFEW HOURS LATER,Lily’s dad was sleeping, so she convinced her mom to leave so they could get a bite to eat.
“Lily, I’ve heard about people who step away and their loved ones choose that moment to pass,” her mom said.
“You need to look after yourself. It’s good you had a shower, but you need a break. It’s been nearly two days,” Lily said, pressing her hand on the back of her mom’s arm and guiding her down to the hospital café. “Eat a sandwich or something, then we will go back.”
Her mom let out a sigh.
“You’re right. It could be days and I need to keep my energy up for him. And what lies ahead.”
And what lies ahead.
The words hung heavy between them as they ordered coffees and very average-looking cabinet food. They sat at a small table and played with their sandwiches. Lily took a bite, then her mom did the same. They both cringed and shared a little laugh.
“Is your back sore from sleeping in the chair?” Lily asked.
Her mom shrugged. “Yes. No. My heart hurts more.”
Lily smiled.
“What?”
“You’re lucky, you know. Not everyone finds love like you and Dad have.”
“I know. We both know that. And you were our little love child.”
“Gross.”
Her mom shot her a grin. “I wish we could have given you a brother or sister, but we were blessed to have you.”
Lily shrugged. “I got you all to myself all these years. I’m not unhappy about that.”
“Having a sibling is nice. I love your Aunt Sherie. She’s on her way here.”
Lily nodded.
“That’s good. I take it Uncle Freddy will stay behind?” Lily said.
They lived in California, and Freddy didn’t fly. He had a fear of it and so when they visited—which had been only twice in her life—it was a big deal.
They had driven across the country and stayed for two weeks.
“Yes.” Her mom nodded, stared into the distance, and sipped her coffee. Then her eyes darted back to Lily’s. “Thank you, Lily. I needed a break. I just couldn’t give myself permission to step away.”
Lily reached out and squeezed her hand.
