“You don’t understand what it’s like to watch your child fade.”
“No,” I said. “But I know what it’s like to wake up and realize the people you love might not come back.”
Della pressed herself against my side.
“I know what it’s like to become the adult because no one else can. Fear doesn’t get to leave a child lonely.”
A soft voice came from behind him.
“Dad.”
We turned.
Tobias sat in his wheelchair with Nurse Gloria behind him, the green blanket across his lap and Della’s dinosaur tucked beneath one arm.
His eyes were wet.
“I’m the sick one,” Tobias said. “Why am I making everyone else feel better?”
Will went pale.
“Tobias.”
“I don’t need more presents. I need you to stay when I open them.”
Anna covered her mouth.
Will dropped to one knee.
“I’m scared.”
“Me too,” Tobias whispered.
Will lowered his head. Anna reached toward Tobias’s hand but waited until he nodded.
Nurse Gloria cleared her throat.
“Upstairs. Quietly.”
That afternoon, I sat in a small conference room with Anna, Will, Nurse Gloria, and a hospital care coordinator while Della stayed with Mrs. Keene.
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