I think I like you.
What on earth was she supposed to do with Krish’s declaration? Especially when she was still mad?
She pulled out the phone Sunil had given her on his way out the door. Sejal checked the time, did the time zone math, and then dialed a number for a check-in that was long overdue.
“Hello, Hillview Estates, Jolene speaking, how can I help you?”
“Hi, Jolene, can you please connect me to Ken Washington’s room?”
Jolene’s tone grew cool. “This is his daughter? We’ve been trying to call you.”
Sejal straightened up. “Is there a problem?”
“Your father has been agitating the orderlies again. He claims his neighbor is getting pork chops.”
She grimaced. “I’ll talk to him.”
Ken picked up after the second ring. “Sejal?”
“Hey, Ken. How are you?”
“How am I? Young lady, I have been worried sick. You weren’t responding to my texts or these annoying people’s calls.”
“Sorry, I lost my phone. I hear you’re harassing the staff again?”
“They’re being racist again. My neighbor got pork chops by bribing someone, and I got some unseasoned chicken. Every night! Boiled chicken or mushy pasta. I’m sick of it. Just because I have a heart condition doesn’t mean my taste buds are dead.”
She was about to launch into a lecture about the importance of a low-salt diet, but the distress in his words pierced her. Sejal thought about how Krish had devoured that salad when she’d gotten it for him. Health was important but so was enjoying what you ate. “Ken... you are eating, right? Your weight is staying steady, so I assumed you were. The food isn’t that bad?”
Ken hesitated for a bit. “No, I’m exaggerating. It’s fine. You pay so much for this place. The food should be good.”
It should be, that was right. But if it truly wasn’t tasty, thenno wonder Ken and the other residents were obsessed with smuggling food in. “I’ll talk to someone.”
“Don’t worry about that. I’m being a silly old man. How are you?”
“I, um... I’m good. I saw... I saw my sister.”
His response was gentle. “And how was that?”
“It was great. I might have dinner with her.”
“That’s wonderful, Sejal!” Warmth spread through her at his enthusiasm, lighting up the cold, dark places in her body.
“I love you,” she blurted out.
“I love you, too,” he said, with no hesitation.
“That’s all I wanted to say.”
“If closure with your sister can get you to express your feelings, I am all for it.”
Closure. Yes. She licked her lips. “I’ve been thinking I should give therapy a try, so I can pick up some more words like that.”
“Hallelujah,” he muttered. “I’ve been telling you.”
“I know, I know. I’m listening now, though.”
“Better late than never. I wish I could be there for you. I’m too far away.”
