OLIVIA’s POV
The doctor came in quietly.
Two nurses behind him, both carrying the particular efficiency of people who had done this many times and knew how to move around a family member without making them feel like they were in the way.
“Olivia.” The doctor’s voice was gentle. “We are going to administer the sedative now. It will help stabilize him through the night and prepare his body for the procedure.” He paused. “You should go home and rest. He is in good hands here.”
I looked at my father.
He was already drowsy from the earlier medication, his eyes heavy and slow. But he found my face when I leaned over him and something in his expression settled the way it always did when he knew I was close.
I took his hand.
It was warmer than it had been at the other hospital. That small
