« You got everything squared away? Paperwork, will, that sort of thing? A woman living alone needs to be careful. »
I forced a smile into my voice.
« I’m fine, dear. Really. »
« You know, I used to visit Aunt Margaret every week before she passed. Helped her with all her affairs. Family should look after each other, don’t you think? »
« I’m managing, Raymond. »
Something about the way he said it made my coffee taste bitter. I couldn’t put my finger on why.
« That’s kind of you, Raymond. I have to run. My shift starts soon. »
I hung up before he could stretch the call any longer.
The hospital hallway smelled the way hospital hallways always do: of disinfectant and quiet human worry. I pushed my cart down the corridor, checking room numbers, tired already, and it wasn’t even 10 a.m.
« I have to run. »
