I squeezed his hand.
“You’re asking me to stay out of it.”
“I’m asking you not to make my mother’s grief your responsibility.”
At the time, I thought he was only trying to protect me.
I didn’t realize how much he already understood.
Part 3: The Secret Meetings
As Mark became weaker, he started asking to speak privately with Dr. Rivers.
The first time, I teased him.
“What is this? Some secret husband-doctor conspiracy?”
Mark smiled.
The second time, I didn’t laugh.
I stood near the hospital room door while Dr. Rivers waited outside.
“What are you arranging?”
Mark rested against the pillows.
“Something I need to take care of.”
“Without me?”
“Yes.”
I crossed my arms.
“But it concerns me?”
His mouth curved faintly.
“It’s for you.”
“That makes it worse.”
“I know.”
“Mark.”
“Please trust me.”
“I do trust you.”
