Chapter 32

For a moment, we stood in silence, the

of distance between us heavy in the air. Then Vesta's face brightened as she remembered something. "How's your son?" she asked, her voice full of warmth. "The last time I saw him, he was just a baby. He must be, what, a teenager by Her question hit me like a punch to the gut. I felt the air leave my lungs as the ache I had buried deep inside rose to the surface. "He... he's gone, Vesta," I

yea

whispered, my throat tightening. "He died."

Vesta's face fell, and her hand flew to her

mouth. "Oh my God, Doris... I'm so sorry. I had no idea."

I forced a smile, though my heart felt

18:50

His Knees, His Pleas, But Our Son's in Peace,

3

32

32

heavy. "How could you have known? We

lost touch."

Tears welled up in Vesta's eyes as she reached out to hug me again, this time softer; more carefully. "I'm so, so sorry," she whispered. "I can't even imagine what you've been through." 'I didn't cry. I had cried so many tears over

the years that there were none left.

Instead,

I stood there, letting her hold me, feeling the weight of everything I had carried alone for so long. When she finally let go, Vesta wiped her eyes and looked at

me with renewed determination.

you're here

me. Maybe

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Knees, His Pleas, But Our

3

32

32

why don't we

suggested,

"There's so much I want to catch up

7

me wanting

of my isolation. But another part, the part that remembered what it was like to have someone to lean on,

I said finally. "I'd

my hand once more before stepping back. "Great! I'll meet you after your appointment.

inside me-sadness, relief, maybe even

His Knees His Pless

walked out of the medical wing and into a long,

sisters. It was strange how time

smile softened, and she reached out to gently touch my arm.

the stirrings of something

As we continued

the hallway, I reali

realized that

something

what I had lost

by my side again, maybe

face whatever came next.

say anything more,

18:50

But Our Son's

37

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