I didn’t know how to answer.
I wasn’t used to being anyone’s favorite person.
Then, a few weeks later, I noticed Gloria’s hands shaking during a routine check. Her skin looked pale, and her breathing had changed. There was a faint rattle in it that made my stomach tighten.
She caught me watching.
Instead of looking away, she pulled the old bag closer to her chest.
Three weeks later, the ambulance came for her.
I rode with her to the hospital because there was no one else to call.
During her hospital stay, one afternoon, Gloria patted the mattress beside her.
“Sit, Daniel. I need to ask you something.”
I sat down. Her hand found mine, thin but still warm.
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