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Maggie had slipped off to her rooa about where we hten up that I one after her--I knew she had wanted to escape I could tell by the look on her face She’d only been staying for a about et back hos Talk to him even if he didn’t talk back I’d found that didn’t matter any, and it wasn’t going to be easy

I stood up and walked over to Brady and then whispered I was heading houys were so wrapped up in watching the ga out early

I wasn’t in ed Brady had sent et it from her myself But he trusted me with her I’dI could call and hear her voice if I needed to And I wondered if the sound ofvirtually alone Could I be for her what she was for lanced up at herShe was sitting in theseat, her knees tucked up under her chin, watching me I lifted my hand to wave, and she did the same Then I held up my phone and put it to my ear and pointed at her

Just to be sure she understood, I quickly texted her

It’s ave me your number If I call, will you answer?

I pressed send then looked back up at her She glanced down at her phone and I watched as she typed soain to look down at ed

Yes If you need h I nodded and climbed into the truck to drive home and face my reality I would sit and talk to Dad I’d tell hiuys And I’d tell hiie He’d like her

When I opened the door to the house, it was quiet The hospice worker was gone for the day I locked up and headed inside There was a note on the table fro me that she hadwith a fresh gallon of sweet tea Dad had asked for her, so she had gone to lie down beside hiry I’d eaten two slices of cake earlier, and noing I wouldn’t get to talk to Dad tonight, I didn’t feelBut Mo and saw the sandwich still there So I fixed a tall glass of iced tea and took the sandwich and drink with me up to my room I’d try to eat some before I went to sleep If not, I’d make sure she never saasn’t eaten

I set my food down then walked quietly up the hall to stand outside my parents’ bedroom door and listen There was silence My dad used to snore, but he never did that anyht, coveringso I could fall asleep These days I foundJust so I’d knoas still breathing

My heart clenched at the idea ofThe panic and pain that ca it hard to inhale I moved away from their door and went back tomy door behind me, I placed both hands on the door to holdto lose him

I knew that, but damn, it hurt so bad

Every tirip I feltto h life without my dad? I needed him We needed him