Chapter 16

[Cordelia]

My body is shaking as I drive across town and I am still in shock over my mother’s words when I pull into the parking lot of the hospital.

A kind nurse shows me the way to my father’s room. After thanking her, I stand outside his door, my hand above the handle as I try to calm my nerves.

My father might be dying. Hearing that from my mother hurt in ways I wasn’t expecting. It is one thing to know it might happen someday and another to see it happen before your eyes.

We’ve tried over the years to build a stronger relationship, but there is something about the two of us that just doesn’t mix. Even when I try to do my best to please him, it always comes across as a lack of effort on my part or some type of disobedience if I choose to do it my own special way.

It has never been my intention to hurt him, but every time I try to be my own person, it seems to harm our relationship.

As I take my last deep breath, the boisterous sound of my father’s laughter rings out in