He smiles kindly. “Not a problem. We can have all the file notes and lab results compiled for you. I’ll have my office manager send it over to your address with a summary note for any attending physician. When would you like it?”
“As soon as possible, please,” I urge, “Thank you so much, Doctor.” I beam and leave the room.
When I get to the ground floor, Drake and Halo are emerging from the tiny hospital shop, two bright, blue-wrapped rectangular shapes clutched in their hands. Ice candy bars. Halo is slurping happily, his nose dusted with a faint layer of blue sugar.
Drake is doing the same, leaning against the cold tile wall, his head tilted back slightly as he savors the sweetness. I watch them for a moment: they look like a normal, functional, happy father and son.
Halo sees me a
