The word “mistake” hung between us.
“And then?” I asked.
He said it couldn’t be his problem.
She sighed. “He transferred some money. Told me not to contact him again.”
I closed my eyes for a moment.
“This week I collapsed at work. That’s when I decided to do the DNA test. Just in case I could find someone to help me piece together my medical history. I never expected you.”
Around us, the hospital moved and hummed. Someone down the hall laughed. A phone rang at the nurses’ station.
The doctor came by and told us Maya would be able to go home in a day or two. Some relief in that, at least.
I reached over and took her hand. “I know exactly what we’re going to do next.”
“I never expected you.”
Then I told her my plan.
Her eyebrows shot up, her gaze searching mine for a joke that wasn’t there.
“Okay,” she said slowly. “If you think that’s best. I’ll do it.”
***
I returned and told my husband I’d had a lovely visit with my mom. Then I put all my energy into preparing a very special Sunday dinner.
I told her my plan.
Daniel and Sophie arrived on time, and everyone was seated when the doorbell rang.
I answered it.
Maya stood on the front step in a simple blue sweater, pale but steady, her chin slightly lifted.
“Ready?” I asked.
She nodded.
We walked into the dining room together.
I set an extra plate on the table with a small, deliberate sound.
Everyone was seated when the doorbell rang.
“Who’s this?” Daniel asked.
I looked at my husband. I watched his face the moment he recognized her. I watched him understand what was happening.
Leave a Comment