I smile at the family next to us, who are now cradling the new addition to their beautiful family.
Because even though we got the brunt end of the 50/50 deal, at least the odds were in both our favors today.
Because today, two miracles occurred, and I’m so, so, so glad we were one of two miracles.
Fortythree.
Evianna
There is a strange man sitting in a chair in my hospital room.
At least, I think I’m in a hospital room. I have a cast on my left foot, and it hurts to move. I’m pretty sure I had surgery.
The last thing I remember is the dog. I panicked, and my car must’ve spun out of control in the rain… I heard the doctor mention my car flipped three times.
Three!
Poor Trisha. She’s probably totaled, and that makes me really sad.
And I would’ve done it all over again to save that damn dog.
“Who are you?” I croak, and the man looks over at me unconcernedly.
“My name is Frank,” he says, and he attempts to smile. Frank. Where do I know that name? “Cecelia’s husband,” he clarifies.
Why is Cecelia’s husband here? He must sense my confusion, because he laughs and continues to speak.
“They’re just down the hall. Nick is at home, changing, but he’ll be back soon. Your family is eating lunch in the cafeteria with Cecelia and Bria. Oh, and a couple of your friends. We’ve amassed quite a large group here. I volunteered to stay behind in case you woke up.”
“Oh,” I say weakly, biting my lip. That makes me happy. Everyone is here.
“How are you feeling?” he asks, and I look up and take his appearance in. He’s tall, with an aging, freckled face and light-blue eyes. His once-blonde hair is now mostly light grey, and he looks tired and ill. I remember Cecelia mention to me that he has cancer.
“I’m fine. Hurts to move, but other than that, I’m good. How are you?”
He laughs, slapping his knee and looking at me, amused.
“You’re asking how I’m feeling? You’re the one who’s been unconscious for two days.”
“Cecelia told me you have cancer,” I blurt out. “I’d say you’re worse off.”
He smiles and looks away. “There’s not a whole lot you can control in life, Evianna. I’ve learned the hard way to just be grateful for what’s gone right in my life, rather than dwell on what’s gone wrong in my life. It makes it easier when shitty things happen.”
“Like when Isabel died,” I add, and I cover my mouth with my hand. “I’m sorry, that just came out. They must have pumped me full of drugs,” I explain, sighing loudly. But he just looks at me and smiles.
“Yes, like when Isabel died. It was hard. But you know what? I had an amazing daughter who did some amazing things with her life, one of which is downstairs eating lunch. And that’s only one thing. She was a doctor. She helped people every day. I find peace knowing that she touched so many people in her short time here on earth. You remind me of her a little bit,” he says, and I look down, trying not to cry. “You’re both fearless. She would’ve saved the dog, too.”
“Thank you for saying that,” I croak, and I swallow loudly. I’m trying hard not to cry.
“I think that’s why Nick loves you,” he adds, and he looks away just as my eyes shoot to his.
“I don’t…” I trail off. It’s weird talking to Frank about this. Isn’t it? I feel comfortable, but something tells me that talking to Nick’s deceased wife’s father about Nick is strange.
“You don’t have to be afraid to admit it. I hoped someone like you would walk into his life eventually. He has to move on. Bria has to move on. I’m just glad it’s you, and not some hussy off the street.”
I laugh through my tears at the last sentence.
Cecelia and Bria walk in before I can respond, and all of a sudden, Bria is running over to me.
“Evi!” she says, but she stops short just in front of the bed. Someone must’ve told her I was in pain, because she assesses me curiously.