Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 108974 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 545(@200wpm)___ 436(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108974 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 545(@200wpm)___ 436(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
That was sweet.
He wasn’t finished. “After all, this film is about the father-daughter relationship. You can’t use romantic heartbreak for that.”
She groaned. “I’ll certainly think about that.”
Gavin strode to the door before turning back. “And, darling, if you want your mother to think you don’t have a thing for the deputy, don’t let her see your sketchpad. Your emotions are right there. Good night.”
“Boundaries, Gavin.” She hissed the words at him.
He simply closed the door behind him.
Duke looked up at her as if to say he agreed with Gavin.
She sighed and stroked his fur. “I’m not getting in deep.”
Duke huffed.
Yeah, no one seemed to believe her today.
* * *
* * *
Major walked up to the assisted living home and saw a familiar figure at the door. It was past visiting hours in the building, though Major had access like all primary family members. The building housed roughly a hundred seniors in various stages of medical need. They each had their own small apartment and shared common areas and use of the nursing staff. It was well run, and the residents seemed happy.
His father didn’t hate the place when he was in his right mind.
There’s nothing wrong or right about his mind. Don’t make those judgments. He has a disease that breaks down his cognitive functions. He’s still your dad even when he doesn’t remember he’s your dad.
He heard Lila LaVigne’s words go through his head. He kept them in his brain so he could change the way he thought. His father wasn’t crazy. Crazy wasn’t a good word to use to describe any human being.
Juan Garcia was a nurse who managed the facility his father lived in. Major found him to be an intelligent, sympathetic man. He took the time to get to know his residents and their family members, hence his call this evening. “I know it’s late, but he’s having a good couple of hours, and he asked about you.”
“You can call me anytime.” It had been weeks since his father’s memory had been clear. He would have shown up at midnight or five a.m. He would have found someone to take his shift so he could talk to his dad.
Time. It was the most precious thing in his life right now. Time with his father.
He stepped inside. At this time of night, the lobby was quiet. He moved down the hall with Juan toward his father’s apartment. It was a single unit and had a security camera on the door because more than once he’d walked out thinking he needed to get to a job he hadn’t held for fifteen years. Sometimes he got upset when the staff wouldn’t allow him to leave. Those were the worst times.
Keeping him in the here and now was getting harder and harder.
“I was actually going to call you in the morning,” Juan said. “Lila wants to run some tests. His bloodwork came back with some elevated red blood cell levels.”
“Does she think the cancer is back?” His father had had a bout with prostate cancer a few years ago. It was before the dementia diagnosis.
“I think she’s being careful. Don’t borrow trouble, Major.” Juan knocked on the door before opening it with his all-access key. “Mr. Blanchard? You have a visitor.” He looked back at Major. “Stay as long as you like. I’ll be out front if you need anything.”
“Thank you.” He stepped inside. There was a short hall and a bathroom to his right. The living room had a comfortable lounger and a sofa. The soft sound of a TV played through the room. “Dad?”
“Major.” His father stood from his place on the lounger and turned. He was dressed for bed in his pajama bottoms and a white T-shirt, a robe wrapped around his thin frame. A wide smile crossed his face and he held out his arms. “I’m so glad to see you, son. You look good.”
A shudder of relief went through him as he hugged his dad. Once he’d been the fragile one and this man had sheltered him. It was his turn. “You, too, Dad. I’m glad to see you.”
“It’s late. Is everything all right?” His dad stepped back, relaxing onto the lounger as he used the remote to put the TV on mute.
He had to take a moment or he might break down because it was so good to hear his father’s voice. “Yes. I just wanted to see you.”
His father’s lips curved into a smile that was tinged with sadness. He gestured for Major to sit. “Juan called you and told you I was having a good day, huh?”
Major sat on the edge of the sofa. “I come see you even when you’re having a bad one.”
His father sighed. “Ah, but I don’t remember those. Has it been hard on you?”
So hard. It was so incredibly hard to watch his father lose hold of reality. “Not at all. You’re not hard to deal with.”