Chapter 36: After Surgery

Hailey warmed to the subject of her father. She had many stories since it had just been the two of them for many years. Noah listened to everything she said as if she were the only other person on the planet.

He made the time go quickly.

"When I was sick as a child, he would bring me a new coloring book on his way home from work."

"That's nice."

"I loved to color as a kid so it was always a welcome gift. I managed to fill them up before I got better," Hailey said.

It was a sweet memory. Her father had always been her hero. To see him this sick had taken a piece out of her. She was pretty sure her father was equally unhappy with being laid up.

Noah looked at his watch. "I'm sure they'll be done soon."

"We haven't had an update since the first one."

"Henry's pretty focused so he may have lost track of time. It doesn't mean anything, Hailey. Henry is the best. I promise you he'll do everything in his power to make your father better."

She appreciated Noah's pep talk. Her anxiousness wa