“That hasn’t happened in months,” he told her. A veil of sweat shone on his brow. “I thought I was doing well.”
“You are. And if you ever wonder again, find me. Sometimes wondering causes more fear than knowing. I am here for you, Daniel. I want you to know that. Even after they release you from this place, I want to be there for you.”
Bit by bit, his face turned to hers, the light scruff of his beard shadowed by the table over his head. He didn’t speak, but she felt as if she could hear his tortured thoughts.
“Am I crazy?” he asked at last.
“No, Daniel. You’re in pain. But you’re going to be just fine.”
Too soon, she went to meet Daniel in his new, larger room. Beside him on the cot was a small rucksack, in which he had packed his few belongings. When he rose to greet her, he stood a little taller.
“How do you feel?” she asked, wishing he would ask her the same thing. She had been miserable all week, pacing the hospital corridors and the rooms of her apartment, picking things up and putting them down, all because he would soon be gone. She wanted to reach for his hand again, but she kept her own at her sides.
“I got a question,” he said.
What on earth were these feelings? What was it rushing through her heart, burning through her face? She felt like a teenager in high school again, suddenly shy.
“You never told me your first name. Since I’m not a patient here anymore, is that allowed now?”
“Marion,” she replied.
She was accustomed to reading his glances and body language: the tilt of his head, the tightening of his brow, the sarcastic smile that made him look devilishly handsome. But the way he was watching her now, with vulnerability softening his expression, that was new. His mouth opened slightly.
“Marion, do you think I’ll do all right out there?”
Her name on his lips sent a thrill through her. “Do you?”
“Give me a straight answer.”
“I think you’ll be fine. You have the information about the legion, right? They will help you find a place to stay and get you going again. And you have the letter about the community health centres in your area. It’s important you go to those appointments and call them if you need anything else. Here, I brought you a heavy coat and a cap…” She trailed off, swallowing the knot in her throat. “Daniel, it’s been wonderful getting to know you. I truly mean that.”
He hesitated. “I almost wish I still needed help. So I could be with you.”
She was the one who needed help now. She held the coat toward him and took a step back.
“I’ll walk you out,” she offered.
It was cold and grey outside, with random snowflakes twisting slowlydownward. Daniel stood in the entrance to the Administration Building, folding his cap in both hands and staring out at the bleak winter day. He was good at standing very still. He’d perfected that skill in Vietnam.
Marion couldn’t speak, seeing him there.
“All right,” he said at last, taking a deep breath and pulling the wool cap low over his ears. He gave her one last smile then held out his hand for her to shake. “Thank you. I feel like my life has changed, being stuck in this place with you. For the better.”
Me too, she thought. “I’ll miss you, Daniel. Be careful out there.” She sniffed, wondering where on earth she’d left her professional detachment. “Do me a favour?”
His gaze travelled over her hair, her eyes, her lips, as if he was trying to commit it all to memory. She felt the strongest sense that he wanted to kiss her. “Whatever you need, Marion.”
“Never be afraid to ask for help. Find me if you need me.”
He nodded.
She didn’t move. She stood on the edge of a cliff, waiting to fall into him if he made the slightest move, but then a car horn sounded out on Queen Street, and they both stepped back.
“Goodbye, Daniel.”
“I’ll see you, Marion,” he replied, then he walked off into the greyness and joined the anonymous crowd.
nineteenSASSY
