“You still should’ve told me,”
His voice cracked.
“I couldn’t take that from her, too.”
“That couple upstairs…”
“Sophie’s parents.” He let out a broken sound. “She’s in surgery right now for a kidney transplant.”
“Mary’s?”
“I couldn’t take that from her, too.”
“The doctors won’t confirm anything, but considering the timing…”
I looked down at the letter.
“Why did you beg the doctor not to tell me?”
“Because I promised Mary.”
I was still angry.
“Because I promised Mary.”
But now I understood what the secret had cost him, too.
I folded the letter carefully.
Then I stood.
“I want to meet Sophie’s parents.”
***
When we returned to the waiting room, the couple stood.
I understood what the secret had cost him, too.
The woman looked terrified to speak.
Jonathan said quietly, “Grace, this is Ellen and Mark. Sophie’s parents.”
Ellen took one step toward me.
“I’m so sorry.”
