Chapter 8 - THE MOTHER WHO ALMOST GAVE UP
Nora's condition worsened three days later.
Her infection had improved, but further testing revealed serious damage to her heart.
The medical team recommended a procedure followed by close monitoring and rehabilitation.
There were risks.
Significant ones.
I sat beside her when the surgeon explained everything.
Nora listened quietly.
Then asked:
“What happens if I don't do it?”
The surgeon answered honestly.
Her condition could deteriorate.
Possibly quickly.
Nora looked toward the window.
I knew what she was thinking.
Maisie.
After the doctor left, she began crying.
Not loudly.
Just silent tears.
I moved closer.
“Nora.”
She shook her head.
“I can't leave her.”
I swallowed.
“I know.”
“She doesn't have anyone else.”
I looked at her.
“She has Mrs. Alvarez. And there are people helping us make sure she's cared for.”
Nora closed her eyes.
I continued.
“And I care about her.”
She looked at me.
“Ethan…”
“I know I'm not her father.”
My voice trembled.
“And I won't pretend I can replace Andrew.”
Nora's eyes filled.
“But if you want me in her life, I want to be there.”
She studied me for a long time.
Then whispered:
“Andrew would have liked you.”
I laughed sadly.
“I hope so.”
“He believed people could change.”
I looked down.
“I'd like to prove him right.”
That evening, Maisie visited.
She climbed into the chair beside Nora's bed.
“Mommy?”
“Yes, sunshine?”
“Are you going to get fixed?”
Nora smiled through tears.
“The doctors are going to help me.”
Maisie considered this.
“Like when Mr. Ethan fixed my shoe?”
I looked up.
Earlier that week, I'd repaired the sole of one of her shoes.
Nora laughed softly.
“Something like that.”
Maisie nodded.
“Then you'll be okay.”
Nora hugged her.
I looked away.
Because I couldn't bear the certainty in the child's voice.
The procedure was scheduled for Friday.
The night before, Nora asked me to stay.
I sat beside her bed.
We talked about the past.
The bridge.
The amber necklace.
The terrible goodbye at eighteen.
“Do you remember what you said when you gave me the necklace?” she asked.
I smiled faintly.
“That it wasn't worth much.”
She shook her head.
“You said, 'If you ever get lost, follow the star.'”
I laughed softly.
“I was dramatic.”
“You were sweet.”
I looked at her.
“I loved you.”
She swallowed.
“I know.”
I hesitated.
“Nora, I never stopped wondering about you.”
Her eyes filled.
“Neither did I.”
We sat in silence.
Then she reached for my hand.
“Ethan?”
“Yes?”
“If I get through this…”
I leaned closer.
She smiled weakly.
“Maybe we could have coffee.”
My eyes filled.
I laughed.
“Coffee?”
She nodded.
“Like normal people.”
I kissed her hand.
“I'd like that.”
The next morning, they took Nora into surgery.
I stood beside her bed until the doors opened.
She looked at me.
“Ethan?”
“Yes?”
“Don't let Maisie think I gave up.”
My throat tightened.
“Never.”
She smiled.
Then disappeared through the doors.
May you like
I sat in the waiting room.
And for the first time in my adult life, there was nothing money or influence could do to make the hours move faster.
