~ Ryder ~
Doris had finally fallen asleep. Her breathing was slow and even against my chest, her hand still curled loosely in mine. I stayed with her a few minutes longer, brushing a strand of hair from her face, making sure she was truly resting. Then I slipped out of bed, pulled on a shirt, and left the room as quietly as I could.
I went straight to the basement.
Ms. D was already there, sitting beside my father’s bed. The room was dim, lit only by a small lamp. My father was awake. His eyes were open, staring at the ceiling with a blank, distant look.
Something was wrong.
I stepped closer. “What’s wrong? Why is he staring like that?”
Ms. D looked up, tired but calm. “Since he woke up, he hasn’t said a word. He just opened his eyes and has been like this. Staring. Neither moving n
