I Went to Surprise My Husband at the Hospital With His Favorite Lunch, but His Colleague Asked If Ben Had Told Me the Truth

By the time Arnold’s eyes filled with tears, I was still holding the lunch I’d packed for my husband: Ben’s favorite sandwich, a slice of apple pie, and a note tucked beneath the fork.

 

“You don’t have to take care of everyone. Let me have a turn.”

I’d written it that morning.

Now I stood in the hospital corridor, watching Arnold, my husband’s colleague, struggle to meet my eyes.

“I’m so glad I found you,” I said. “Can you tell me where Ben is?”

 

Arnold searched my face.

Then, without warning, his eyes filled.

“He hasn’t told you anything, has he?”

My stomach dropped.

“Told me what?”

Arnold glanced toward the nurses’ station. Two women suddenly became very interested in their screens.

I tightened my grip