Page 6 of When the Smoke Clears

“I can promise you this—I will not be with anyone else. Women aren’t like men. Despite our perceived fragility, we can live on our own just fine. I have two grandchildren, and I want you to give me at least two more. Don’t put all the pressure on your sister.”

She’s dreaming. No one should feel pressure to have kids. I have no interest in it. I’m the fun uncle and damn good at it. Maybe a godparent for friends who have kids but don’t think they’ll really die before me.

“How do you feel about a granddog from me instead?” I ask.

She nudges my leg with her foot and rolls her eyes. “No. Go find a woman and put a baby in her.”

I bark a laugh, which makes her smile bloom into something real. This is the mother I know and love.

Still, I’m not impregnating anyone, not even for her.

Chapter Four

“The only good thing to come from this is big breasts,” Dad says, staring out the hospital window.

I’ve been here for two weeks, and he’s still confused and weak. A few days ago, he could walk up and down the hallway with help. Today, he’s had a catheter inserted, which will probably give him another urinary tract infection.

“What are you talking about?” I ask, sliding his plate of meat loaf closer, hoping he’ll eat something. He’s lost a lot of weight. The fat is gone, and his muscles are melting away.

“Your mom. When she’s pregnant, her boobs get enormous.” He holds up his hands and cups them like he’s squeezing invisible breasts.

“Mom’s not pregnant.”

He narrows his eyes. “She is. I don’t think it’s mine, but I don’t want to start a fight, so I’m just going to raise the damn kid as my own.”

It’s not funny. He’s unwell. But I can’t help but snort behind my hand fisted at my mouth. “Well”—I clear my throat to compose myself—“that’s really nice of you.”

My phone vibrates, and I pull it from my back pocket.

Fitz: When do u come home

Will: 2 weeks

Fitz: K

Will: Why

Fitz: Don’t worry about it. We’ll discuss when u get home

Will: Discuss what

Fitz: Your new roommate

Will: ????

Fitz: Give your parents my best

Will: Knock it off asshole. What’s going on

“Thatcher, I’m giving you a bath today,” the nurse says, sauntering into the room in burgundy scrubs and white Hokas. “I can come back to do it later.” She eyes me and smiles.

“You can do it now. I’m leaving.”

“I don’t need a bath. I’m not having sex.” Dad takes a bite of his meat loaf with a shaky hand.

The nurse presses her lips together, and I close my eyes for a few seconds, slowly shaking my head.

“Sally took my wallet. When is she bringing it back?” he asks.