Chapter 4
The drive to the hospital was quiet and Jake had welcomed none of the conversations I tried to bring up. Ten minutes before we reached the destination, I resolved to try a different tactic.
“I’m sorry for having to leave,” I said for the first time.
He had replied with one-syllable answers to all my questions. He was probably about to explode and tell me to shut up already. But he surprised me when he replied, “Don’t worry about it,” and continued to stay quiet.
Sensing I was an annoying passenger, I zipped my lips and stared out the window. I watched the street unfocused. I turned my attention on a few kids playing and running around in the park. The delightful sound of children’s laughter rang into the air. I basked in it, recalling a time long ago when I had that happiness
